Cortisol is mainly responsible for the fat on the belly. It is a hormone formed by the adrenal gland. This mainly happens during physical stress and is therefore also referred to as the 'stress hormone'. This stress can be psychological or physiological. The cortisol levels also rise during intensive cardio training. Because cortisol also causes muscle breakdown and thus increases the blood glucose levels, it has a negative effect on weight losses. Growth hormone, on the other hand, stimulates the production of IGF-1 and again has positive effects on burning fat. Marathon Keto