Why a carbohydrate breakfast is the path to obesity.

This statement is based on well-known metabolic mechanisms. There is a direct physiological link between morning cortisol levels, insulin, and fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area.

Cortisol as the "energy mobilization" hormone

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, peaking in the morning hours (approximately from 6 to 9 AM). It plays a key role in:

• activating gluconeogenesis (the formation of glucose from proteins),
• mobilizing fatty acids from adipose tissue,
• increasing blood glucose levels to provide energy for the brain and body upon waking.

However, chronically high cortisol—especially against a backdrop of stress, sleep deprivation, or insulin resistance—raises appetite and enhances fat deposition specifically in the visceral (abdominal) area. This occurs because:

• Visceral fat tissue is more sensitive to the effects of cortisol than subcutaneous fat.
• Cortisol enhances the action of insulin in fat accumulation, especially when easily digestible carbohydrates are present in the diet.

Morning insulin and its effect

In the morning, the body may exhibit a phenomenon known as the "dawn phenomenon," especially in people with insulin resistance. This means that under the influence of morning cortisol, the liver begins to actively produce glucose, and the pancreas secretes insulin to counteract this increase.

If a person consumes carbohydrates at this moment (especially fast ones—bread, cereals, juices, fruits, muesli, etc.), the following occurs:

• blood glucose levels spike sharply,
• against the backdrop of already elevated insulin—more insulin is released,
• all this leads to hyperinsulinemia, signaling the body: "excess energy, store as fat."

And elevated insulin levels block lipolysis—the process of fat breakdown. This means that fat is not burned but rather stored.

Why abdominal obesity

Abdominal (visceral) obesity refers to fat deposits around internal organs (liver, intestines), rather than under the skin. It is the most metabolically active and is most associated with:

• insulin resistance,
• inflammatory processes,
• hormonal disorders (including cortisol and leptin),
• increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis.

The body is particularly prone to directing excess energy to this "dangerous" fat zone in the morning hours if it receives the signal "now is the time to accumulate."

Conclusion

A more favorable choice is a protein-fat breakfast or fasting (if the body is adapted). This helps avoid insulin spikes, maintain metabolic flexibility, and not stimulate fat accumulation.