New Delhi, Feb. 22 -- Belly fat is hard to lose and can affect both your physical and mental health. While it's important to feel good about your body, too much belly fat can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, liver problems, and heart disease. This fat surrounds your internal organs, which makes it even more concerning.

How does cortisol affect belly fat?

Cortisol is the body's main stress hormone, made by the adrenal glands. "It is involved in several body functions, including metabolism and the fight-or-flight response. When stress is constant, cortisol levels can rise," fitness expert Wanitha Ashok tells HealthShots.

This increase can lead to the body storing more fat, especially around the abdomen. A study in Biochemical...