9 myths about the ‘stress hormone' cortisol

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April 24, 2026 9 myths about the ‘stress hormone' cortisol By Angela Haupt Editor, Health and Wellness People are blaming cortisol for everything from belly fat to burnout. But it turns out the hormone isn’t the villain it’s made out to be. I asked experts who treat cortisol disorders to break down the most persistent myths. READ MORE » If you have a minute, please take our quick survey to help us better understand who you are and which health topics interest you most. Take the Survey WHAT ELSE TO READ There's no carpet quite like the TIME100 Red Carpet. In case you missed it, watch the 2026 TIME100 Red Carpet here. The Worst Way to Open an Email—And What to Say Instead This overused phrase wasn’t always an empty reflex.   Do Recovery Shoes Actually Work? Cushy, slipper-like shoes are the latest post-exercise trend.   If you were forwarded this and want to sign up to receive it daily, click here. Today's newsletter was written by Angela Haupt and edited by Mandy Oaklander.   Want more from TIME? Sign up for our other newsletters.         Subscribe to TIME TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Connect with TIME via Facebook | X | Newsletters PRIVACY POLICY | YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS Questions? Contact newsletters@time.com Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here © 2026 TIME USA, LLC. All rights reserved. TIME Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508 Boone, IA 50037-0508, United States Terms of Service