Viewpoint: How Dr.TikTok (falsely) convinced me that cortisol was running my health Emily Stewart | Business Insider | June 9, 2026

https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2026/06/09/viewpoint-how-dr-tiktok-falsely-convinced-me-that-cortisol-was-running-my-health/ Cortisol is the internet’s favorite wellness boogeyman. Per social media, too much of it is why you’re experiencing 3 a.m. wake-ups, have a “cortisol belly,” and see an extra-puffy face when you look in the mirror. Google searches for cortisol in the US have climbed significantly over the past five years, including anxiety-indicating entries such as “cortisol triggering foods,” “cortisol detox,” and “how to lower cortisol.” …