The stress hormone cortisol is regulated by the hypothalamic - pituitary - adrenal ( HPA ) axis .
The stress hormone cortisol is has been associated with higher levels of abdominal fat and therefore a higher WHR .
The stress hormone cortisol is regulated by the hypothalamic - pituitary - adrenal ( HPA ) axis and has been associated with higher levels of abdominal fat and therefore a higher WHR .