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Research Article

Impact of Cortisol and Sex Hormone Imbalance on Obesity and Insulin Resistance Among Iraqis: A Case-Control Study

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Abstract

Obesity is a multifaceted metabolic condition affected by hormonal and environmental elements. There is growing awareness of how dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and changes in sex hormone levels play a role in insulin resistance linked to obesity. Increased cortisol levels, along with fluctuations in testosterone and estradiol, can interfere with glucose metabolism and fat distribution, leading to various metabolic issues. This research focused on examining the relationship between circulating cortisol and the levels of sex hormones (testosterone and estradiol) in relation to obesity and insulin resistance in adults. A case-control study was carried out with obese and non-obese participants who were matched by age and sex. Key measurements included anthropometric data (such as BMI and waist circumference) and fasting biochemical markers. Serum levels of cortisol, testosterone, and estradiol were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Insulin resistance was evaluated through the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Statistical analyses employed correlation and regression tests to investigate the relationships between hormone levels and metabolic indicators. Obese individuals exhibited notably higher levels of serum cortisol and lower levels of testosterone compared to non-obese controls (p < 0.001). Additionally, estradiol levels were significantly increased in obese females. After controlling for BMI, cortisol and testosterone were found to be independently linked to HOMA-IR, suggesting their role in insulin resistance. An imbalance in cortisol and sex hormones is closely linked to obesity and insulin resistance. These changes in hormone levels might act as early warning signs of metabolic risk and could potentially be targeted for therapeutic approaches in addressing obesity-related conditions.

Keywords:

Cortisol Iraqi Population Obese Individuals Sex Hormones

Article information

Journal

Journal of Medical Science, Biology, and Chemistry

Volume (Issue)

2(2), (2025)

Pages

262-266

Published

18-11-2025

How to Cite

Abdulrazzaq, A. B. (2025). Impact of Cortisol and Sex Hormone Imbalance on Obesity and Insulin Resistance Among Iraqis: A Case-Control Study. Journal of Medical Science, Biology, and Chemistry, 2(2), 262-266. https://doi.org/10.69739/jmsbc.v2i2.1222

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