Cortisol's Dual Role in Energy Regulation

Cortisol serves as a counter-regulatory response to low energy availability, evidenced by its significant increase in individuals with anorexia nervosa. However, the cortisol levels in this condition are lower than those observed in Cushing's disease, which results from different mechanisms. While fasting consistently elevates cortisol levels correlating with decreasing energy availability, the relationship between dieting, energy deficits, and cortisol levels is less clear, showing no consistent association between the size of the energy deficit and cortisol response during weight loss interventions.