The book includes the subtitle "A Guide to Stress, Stress-related Diseases, and Coping" on the front cover of its third edition.

[1] Therefore, many wild animals are less susceptible than humans to chronic stress-related disorders such as ulcers, hypertension, decreased neurogenesis and increased hippocampal neuronal atrophy.

Sapolsky relates the history of endocrinology, how the field reacted at times of discovery, and how it has changed through the years.

Kirkus Reviews called it an "entertaining explanation of how stress affects the body and what we can do to counteract its effects.

"[3] Barry Keverne wrote in a review for New Scientist: "Everyone can benefit from reading Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers and gain insights into the workings of the body and mind, and why some of us are more vulnerable than others to stress-related illness.