We blame our bellies on unhealthy eating and little exercise. While these play a hefty role in creating extra pounds, another reason for belly fat is often overlooked: stress.

Cortisol is a stress hormone that is pivotal in our "fight or flight" response. Thanks to cortisol, we are able to harness quick, strong boosts of energy when needed. Short-term, we think more clearly and our immunity lifts, as does our pain tolerance. This hormone is also involved in regulating blood sugar metabolism, insulin release from the pancreas (insulin shuttles sugar--glucose--into cells) and immune system function.

The problem, says stress expert Brian Madigan of Energy Works Wellness (www.endworkstress.com), is when cortisol is persistently elevated. Chronic stress is the main culprit, causing cortisol to interfere with the very systems it is intended to support. "This can lead to a number of issues including increased abdominal fat, heart disease, blood sugar imbalances, decreased bone density and muscle mass, elevated blood pressure and lowered immune response," says Madigan.

To rebalance your cortisol levels, Madigan says one of the best ways is to reduce stress and engage in activities that invoke the body's relaxation response, which is governed by the parasympathetic nervous system. He recommends simple techniques like breathing exercises, yoga or meditation that allow the body to return to a calm state and, over time, train the body to respond to stress with the relaxation response.

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