Your Hormones and Your Body Weight

There is a vital relationship between your hormones and your body weight. Our hormone types usually have a huge role to play in our efforts to either gain or lose weight. Not that it’s completely out of your control, it’s just that the types of hormones you have can make the process either a lot faster or slower.

So, what are hormones?

Hormones are special chemical messengers released by various glands and cells in your body. They are carried in your blood and taken to receptors which then activate a signal to make the cells in your body perform a certain function.

Hormones play a critical role in regulating body weight and overall metabolic health. A good example is the hormone insulin which is produced in the pancreas. When you eat, the digested food is broken down into glucose, the simplest form of sugar that your body needs as an energy source. Once glucose is released into the bloodstream, your pancreas secretes insulin.

This Insulin then binds with receptors in the cells, so that they can take in the glucose to be used as energy. When insulin levels are high, the body is more likely to store fat. Insulin resistance, a condition in which cells become less responsive to insulin, can lead to weight gain and obesity. Stress also stimulates insulin to be released so that blood sugar levels are maintained, and this can also increase your appetite.

Other hormones that affect metabolism/ weight include:

1. Leptin: Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that signals the brain to reduce appetite and increase metabolism. It helps regulate energy balance and body weight. When leptin levels are low, appetite increases and metabolism slows down, which can lead to weight gain.
2. Estrogens: Estrogens are hormones produced primarily by the ovaries in women and by the testes in men. They play a role in regulating body weight and metabolism. Low levels of estrogen in women can lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area.
3. Androgens: Androgens are hormones produced primarily by the testes in men and by the ovaries in women. They play a role in regulating body composition and metabolism. High levels of androgens in women can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance.
4. Adiponectin: Adiponectin is a hormone produced by fat cells that helps regulate glucose metabolism and fat breakdown. Low levels of adiponectin are associated with insulin resistance and obesity.
5. Ghrelin: Ghrelin is a hormone produced in the stomach that stimulates appetite. It increases before meals and decreases after meals. When you are stressed, your body produces more of this hunger hormone which leads to the body secreting high levels of ghrelin that can lead to overeating and weight gain.
6. Cortisol: Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and plays a role in fat metabolism. Chronic stress and high levels of cortisol can lead to weight gain and abdominal obesity. Cortisol stimulates fats and carbohydrates to be metabolized for quick energy release.

Things we can do to keep our hormones balanced and our weight in check.

The good news is that you don’t have to just live with the natural consequences of your hormone behavior. You can be proactive in restoring your body to a healthier state. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help keep hormones balanced and support weight management.

Also, It may be that you’re under physical or emotional stress, which you may not even be fully aware of. Over time, these small stresses and imbalances gather steam, keeping your body in a heightened state and this eventually manifests in your body through weight changes.

To manage these biological or lifestyle causes of hormonal imbalance, here are six proactive steps you can take:

1. Eat a balanced diet

A healthy, balanced diet can help regulate hormone levels and support weight management. Focus on eating plenty of whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

2. Exercise

Regular exercise can help regulate hormone levels, including insulin, leptin, and cortisol. Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, which helps the body use glucose for energy instead of storing it as fat. Exercise can also increase levels of leptin, which helps suppress appetite and promote metabolism. Finally, exercise can reduce levels of cortisol, which can help reduce stress and prevent weight gain.

3. Sleep

Sleep is important for regulating hormone levels, including leptin, ghrelin, and cortisol. When you don’t get enough sleep, levels of ghrelin increase, which can stimulate appetite and lead to overeating. At the same time, levels of leptin decrease, which can reduce metabolism and lead to weight gain. Finally, lack of sleep can increase levels of cortisol, which can disrupt metabolism and promote fat storage.

4. Reduce stress

We’ve spoken at length about this point earlier, but this cannot be overemphasized enough. Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels, including cortisol. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga goes a long way in helping your hormonal changes that lead to weight gain.

5. Avoid environmental toxins

Some environmental toxins can disrupt hormone levels. To reduce your exposure, avoid plastics with BPA, limit your intake of processed foods, and choose organic produce when possible.

6. Consult with a healthcare professional

If you are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance or struggling with weight management, consult with a healthcare professional. They can help identify any underlying issues and provide guidance on lifestyle changes or medical interventions.

In summary, hormones play a complex role in regulating body weight and metabolism. Imbalances in hormone levels can lead to weight gain and other metabolic disorders. By incorporating these six steps to your routine as part of your lifestyle, you can help regulate hormone levels and support weight management.

With Love and gratitude as always, Xo!

Learn more about hormone health, how they affect your weight and steps that can be taken to minimize the impact of natural fallouts from hormonal imbalance and a life of physical or emotional stress when you purchase a copy of my eBook. “How to Start from Zero” 

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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not your doctor while I am a health coach by profession. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice nor does it establish any kind of medical relationship between you and me. I will not be held liable for any damage resulting from or related to your use of this information.