Ketogenesis & Stress: Can Stress Hormones Actually Be Good For You?

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In this Metabolic Classroom lecture, Dr. Bikman explores the deep biochemical relationship between stress and ketone production, uncovering how the body interprets stress signals as cues to mobilize fat and create ketones.

He explains how stress hormones—like epinephrine, cortisol, glucagon, and growth hormone—aren’t just emergency signals but actually metabolic adaptation hormones that help the body shift into fat-burning mode. Through the sympathetic nervous system and hormone cascades, the body responds to stress by increasing lipolysis and triggering ketogenesis, even during fasting, exercise, or low-carb eating.

Ben walks through how ketogenesis begins at the level of fat cells and liver mitochondria, and how key molecules like acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate determine whether the body makes glucose or ketones.

Importantly, he clarifies that while stress can trigger positive metabolic shifts, chronic stress without relief can lead to harmful insulin resistance. The takeaway: understanding the difference between acute and chronic stress is key to using this response to your metabolic advantage.

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