Which hormone is categorized as catabolic?

Which hormone is categorized as catabolic?

• A. Cortisol
• B. Insulin
• C. Growth hormone
• D. Testosterone

Answer: (A)

Catabolic hormones promote the breakdown of tissues to supply energy and substrates. Among common hormones, cortisol is the primary catabolic agent. It stimulates muscle protein breakdown to provide amino acids for gluconeogenesis in the liver and supports energy mobilization during stress. It also enhances fat breakdown and can oppose insulin’s actions, contributing to higher blood glucose. In contrast, insulin drives building processes—protein synthesis, glycogen storage, and fat formation—while growth hormone and testosterone mainly promote anabolic effects like tissue growth and protein synthesis. So the hormone categorized as catabolic is cortisol.

Catabolic hormones promote the breakdown of tissues to supply energy and substrates. Among common hormones, cortisol is the primary catabolic agent. It stimulates muscle protein breakdown to provide amino acids for gluconeogenesis in the liver and supports energy mobilization during stress. It also enhances fat breakdown and can oppose insulin’s actions, contributing to higher blood glucose. In contrast, insulin drives building processes—protein synthesis, glycogen storage, and fat formation—while growth hormone and testosterone mainly promote anabolic effects like tissue growth and protein synthesis. So the hormone categorized as catabolic is cortisol.