The HPA Axis & How it Affects Your Weight

Are you struggling to shed stubborn weight? Stress might be the hidden reason. There’s a powerful connection between chronic stress and weight gain, and it begins with something called the HPA axis.

What is the HPA Axis?

The HPA axis, or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, is a complex communication network between your brain and adrenal glands. It plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s response to stress. When you encounter stress—whether it’s emotional, physical, or environmental—your brain signals your adrenal glands to release cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Cortisol helps your body manage short-term stress, but when stress becomes chronic, your cortisol levels can remain elevated for long periods. This imbalance can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area.

How Does the HPA Axis Affect Weight?

When cortisol levels stay elevated, several physiological changes occur:

1. Increased Appetite and Cravings: Elevated cortisol can stimulate hunger and lead to cravings for high-calorie, high-sugar foods. This is your body’s way of seeking quick energy during perceived stressful situations.
   
2. Fat Storage: Chronic stress can encourage the body to store fat, especially visceral fat around the midsection (which is associated with greater health risks).
   
3. Disrupted Sleep: High cortisol levels can interfere with sleep quality. Poor sleep further disrupts hormones that regulate hunger (like leptin and ghrelin), making it even harder to maintain a healthy weight.
   
4. Reduced Metabolism: Chronic stress can slow down your metabolism, making it more difficult to burn calories efficiently.

Balancing the HPA Axis with Adaptogenic Herbs

You can support a healthy HPA axis by incorporating adaptogenic herbs into your daily wellness routine.* Adaptogens are natural substances that help your body adapt to stress, balance cortisol levels, and improve resilience over time.

Some powerful adaptogens known for supporting HPA axis function:

Maca Root: Known for its hormone-balancing effects, maca can support the endocrine system and improve overall energy and mood.

Ashwagandha: This well-known adaptogen helps lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality—all essential factors in maintaining a balanced HPA axis.

Rhodiola Rosea: Known for its energy-boosting and fatigue-reducing properties, Rhodiola can help stabilize cortisol and improve your body’s stress response.

Holy Basil (Tulsi): This adaptogen has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and support the adrenal glands. It can also help regulate blood sugar levels, which can be disrupted by stress.

Licorice Root: Licorice can support adrenal function and increase energy by preventing cortisol from being broken down too quickly.

What We Recommend:

HPA Adapt by Integrative Therapeutics

HPA Adapt contains powerful adaptogenic herbs that are combined to improve mood, create calm, reduce stress-related fatigue, and support cognitive function.* By supporting homeostasis along the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, HPA Adapt helps maintain stress hormonal balance and a healthy stress response.

Want to learn more about how you can support your own HPA axis and shed unwanted pounds holistically? Schedule a free, virtual 10-minute Meet-&-Greet with one of our functional medicine providers to get started.

*We recommend always consulting with your primary care provider before making any changes to your daily health and wellness routine.