#SocialMediaMyths

Social media platforms are overflowing with hacks and quick-fix promises to “lower cortisol,” but new research and leading experts warn Thai readers that these trending “cortisol cocktails” and other instant suggestions are unlikely to provide the promised relief—or protect us from the real consequences of chronic stress. As digital wellness advice explodes in popularity, claims about the power of coconut water, special supplements, and essential oils to rebalance the body’s stress hormone have become common. Yet, according to the latest investigations, the science tells a more complex, and at times, cautionary story.

Many Thai readers encounter social media claims that stress-driven cortisol is the sole cause of belly fat and facial changes, labeled “cortisol belly” and “cortisol face.” A recent analysis by The Conversation argues the science is more nuanced, and most people should not fixate on this hormonal hype.

Social media shapes health beliefs but can also fuel anxiety and oversimplification. Influencers have popularized terms like “cortisol belly,” blaming stress for stubborn weight and touting unproven “cortisol detox” products. While catchy, these messages often lack solid medical backing and aim to drive clicks and sales. They risk promoting unrealistic body standards among Thai youth who spend increasing time online.

Scrolling through TikTok or social media, many Thai readers may have encountered alarming claims asserting that stress-induced cortisol is the main culprit behind stubborn belly fat and unwanted facial changes, often labelled “cortisol belly” and “cortisol face”. However, a recent analysis published by The Conversation dispels much of this online panic, highlighting that the scientific evidence paints a far more nuanced picture and suggesting Thais need not obsess over this hormonal hype.