Hormonal Imbalances – Weight Gain

Weight gain can be contributed to more than just a lack of a diet or exercise plan.

In fact, weight gain can often be partly blamed on your hormones. Did you know that stubborn fat can be harder to lose if your hormones aren’t in balance? So it’s a great idea to get all your hormones in check first. Which hormones do you think are responsible for this? Here are the hormones you’ll want to get in check to ensure you can achieve the healthiest weight of your life:

Thyroid

This gland is positioned at the base of your neck. It is responsible for producing T3, T4 and calcitonin, which maintain the body’s metabolism. If these hormones are underproduced, it can lead to hypothyroidism, which is associated with weight gain. You can help to prevent this by consuming iodized salt, taking vitamin D, eating well-cooked foods, and consuming food rich in zinc. (1)

Leptin

When your body is 100% healthy, leptin signals when you are full and should stop eating. But when we overeat foods that are high in sugar or processed foods, the oversupply of fructose is converted into fat, and it gets deposited in the liver, belly and other areas of the body. That is a problem because fat cells can also secret leptin, desensitizing the body to it and causing the brain to ignore the signal to stop eating. This vicious circle can lead to high levels of weight gain. Have you experienced this? (2)

Insulin

Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and is responsible for carrying glucose to the cells. It is used as energy or stored as fat, which in turn maintains blood glucose levels. When there is an interruption in insulin levels, the body gets resistant to insulin. Muscle cells then fail to recognize the glucose-bound insulin and glucose remains in the bloodstream. Hence, it causes a spike in blood sugar levels and leads to weight gain. To help prevent this situation, I recommend you eat seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as flaxseeds, and avoid alcohol and late-night snacking. (3)

Estrogen

It should be noted that both low and high levels of estrogen can lead to weight gain. Overproduction of estrogen by the ovarian cells or eating food rich in estrogen can cause high estrogen levels. A healthy body produces the desired amount of insulin and keeps blood sugar levels in check. However, high levels of estrogen in the body stresses the cells that produce insulin. This makes our body insulin-resistant and leads to high glucose levels, which in turn lead to weight gain.

Mostly, lower levels of estrogen are found in older people when there is less production of estrogen hormones. To produce more estrogen, the body extracts fatty cells and converts this energy to fat to reload glucose levels. This is another reason for weight gain. To keep estrogen levels in balance, I will advise you to avoid alcohol and processed meat and you should work out regularly. Also, consuming fresh fruits and vegetables can help you maintain your estrogen levels. For a more personalized support, I recommend you CONTACT me right away. (4)

Cortisol

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands and is mainly secreted when we are under stress, depressed, anxious, angry or physically injured. Cortisol regulates energy levels and energy mobilization. But I noticed that high levels can lead to hyperinsulinemia, increased visceral fat deposition, and fat cell maturation, which can all lead to added weight on your body. (5)

Progesterone

Progesterone is also required for the smooth functioning of the body. It can drop due to stress, menopause and also by the intake of contraceptive pills. This can cause weight gain. And to prevent it, I recommend regular meditation – as it helps in relieving stress and anxiety – and regular exercise. (6)

Ghrelin

This is the hunger hormone! Ghrelin helps stimulate the appetite and increase fat deposition. It is mainly secreted by the stomach, as well as the small intestine, pancreas, and brain. Elevated levels of ghrelin in the blood can lead to weight gain. Obese people are particularly sensitive to ghrelin, which encourages them to eat more. Ghrelin levels can also rise when you’re on a strict diet or fasting. (7)

Testosterone

Testosterone is often considered as a male hormone, but women’s bodies also secrete this hormone. Testosterone helps to maintain libido, burn fat and strengthen bones and muscles. However, due to various lifestyle factors, such as age, stress can reduce testosterone levels which can lead to obesity. To prevent it, I will advise you work out daily, avoid alcohol and eat fiber enriched food. Do you have a food plan? CONTACT me to book a FREE 20 minutes Consultation. (8)

Melatonin

Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland deep within your brain. It helps maintain your circadian rhythm, so you sleep and wake up on cue. When your melatonin levels naturally rise at night, growth hormone is released, which helps the body heal, build lean muscle and improve bone density. But if your circadian rhythm is interrupted, you don’t get enough sleep, or your room simply isn’t dark enough at night, your body initiates a stress response, which can lead to inflammation-induced weight gain. (9)

Glucocorticoids

Inflammation is an important part of the healing process. But chronic inflammation can lead to some unfortunate outcomes, including weight gain. Glucocorticoids actually help reduce inflammation. But they also regulate the use of sugars, fats, and proteins in your body. It has been found that glucocorticoids, however, don’t favor sugar or glucose as a fuel for your body, and they reduce your body’s utilization of it as an energy source. Where does this leave you? With higher blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance, and usually, obesity or even diabetes if it’s left unchecked. Thinking of the best way to mange this? CONTACT me to book a FREE 20 minutes Consultation. (10)

Summary

Hormonal imbalance can be a result of various factors, such as puberty, pregnancy or certain medications. Impacting our mental and physical health, imbalanced hormones can also lead to weight gain. And losing weight when your hormones are not in balance can be even harder. Hence, it’s important to get a check on the hormones that are responsible for weight gain.

 Take the Next Step and Schedule Today

Are you tired of masking your symptoms with harsh medications and want to get to the root cause of hormonal imbalance? You can take charge of your health today with a FREE 20-minute phone consultation. We will identify the key areas that need support and provide the necessary support for what needs to be done uniquely for your case. Please CONTACT me to schedule a FREE 20-minute phone consultation if you or your loved ones are seeking relief from hormonal imbalance. I will give you my best care recommendations based on what’s happening inside your body on a cellular level, in a bid to achieve optimum results. And rest assured, no stone will be left unturned as we look for the root cause!