The path to gaining or losing weight is, at times, frustrating. This is because there are hormones related to your weight, and they are responsible for weight gain and weight loss.
With good knowledge and understanding of the relationship between weight gain and hormones, you will take drastic measures to keep off those hormones and lose weight healthily and sustainably.
However, when the word “Hormones” is mentioned, what tends to run into your mind are issues such as thyroid and menopause. Puberty, cravings, or diseases also come to mind.
But, did you know that your workout routine and the food you eat have a significant impact on your weight? And to a large extent your hormonal health?
When you desperately need to lose weight, then the hormonal balance is the way out. This will help you burn out some calories and make you feel and look good.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are chemicals produced by glands in the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream.
When the chemical released is too much or too little, what occurs is known as a hormonal imbalance.
These chemicals released by the glands are responsible for controlling different functions and processes in the body. Such as metabolism, sexual activeness, sleep cycles, appetite, mood, body temperature, and reproductive cycles.
Therefore, a slight hormonal imbalance will cause a noticeable effect on these functions and processes. Thus, affecting your well-being and general health.
Moreover, several factors can cause your hormone level to fluctuate in men and women: Puberty, menopause, certain medical conditions, lifestyle, and menstrual cycles.
When you see any peculiar symptom affecting your general health, it is essential to seek medical attention. This should be sought from a qualified health practitioner.
Weight gain for men is caused by high cortisol levels or stress in the body.
This may make the body plunge into survival mode, influencing the production of fat cells. These cells will cause a reduction in metabolism.
On the other hand, women have a specific estrogen hormone called estradiol. This hormone helps to regulate their weight and metabolism, reducing when they get to menopause.
When the hormone level is low, weight gain will creep in.
What Is a Hormonal Imbalance?
An excess or decline in some specific hormones is what causes hormonal imbalance. Even the slightest change of these hormones can cause a significant impact on your health, including weight gain.
Two disorders can lead to considerable weight gain. These are Cushing’s Syndrome and Hypothyroidism.
In addition, other factors that can lead to hormonal imbalance and increase in weight are age, underactive thyroid, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The imbalance may result in unwanted symptoms such as low mood or itchy skin. If you are experiencing either of these symptoms while your diet or workout routine remains constant, you might need to visit your doctor for further check-up.
How Is Hormonal Weight Gain Diagnosed?
A visit to an endocrinologist will help determine if your hormonal condition is the reason behind your weight gain.
Laboratory tests coupled with your symptoms and presentations will give your doctor a clear insight into your general hormonal condition.
Five Hormones That Are Related to Weight Gain and How to Maintain Them
As earlier mentioned, various factors can trigger hormonal imbalance, causing you to gain weight and have other physical and mental challenges.
On the other hand, it is also difficult to lose weight when your hormones are not balanced. Therefore, there is a need to keep hormones responsible for weight gain in check.
But how can you achieve that?
Below are five common hormones that make you gain weight and how you can maintain their levels in your body.
1. Estrogen
A healthy body should produce the required amount of insulin to manage your blood sugar level.
High estrogen levels will choke the cells that produce insulin in the body. This can lead to weight gain and other health complications.
Also, eating food rich in estrogen will cause high estrogen levels in your body.
This will cause your body to be insulin resistant and, in return, will produce high glucose, which will lead to weight gain.
To keep your estrogen levels in check, avoid alcohol, work out frequently, eat fresh fruits and vegetables and stay away from processed meat.
2. Thyroid hormones
Thyroids are glands that are positioned under the neck. They are responsible for producing T4, T3, and calcitonin chemicals that maintain the body’s metabolism.
The underproduction of these hormones will result in hypothyroidism, a condition associated with weight gain.
This can be managed by eating well-cooked food, taking vitamin D, taking iodized salt, and consuming food rich in zinc.
3. Insulin
The pancreas glands are responsible for producing insulin which is responsible for transporting glucose into the cells. The glucose, in return, is stored as fat or used as energy which in turn maintains blood sugar levels.
An interruption of insulin secretion will cause your body to resist insulin. Your muscle cells will fail to recognize the chemical, and sugar will remain in the bloodstream.
This will cause a rise in the blood sugar level, and as a result, you begin to gain weight. To avoid this, keep away from alcohol and late-night snacking and embrace seasonal fruits, flaxseeds and vegetables.
4. Testosterone
Testosterone is always found in male bodies, but women also secrete it. This hormone helps strengthen bones and muscles, burns fat, and maintains libido.
However, various factors can reduce the production of this hormone and, in return, lead to weight gain. Such factors include age, lifestyle, and stress.
To avoid this, ensure that you maintain a regular workout routine, eat fiber enriched foods and avoid alcohol.
5. Progesterone
This hormone is also crucial for your body to function smoothly. Its production can decline due to intake of contraceptive pills, stress, and menopause, leading to weight gain.
To prevent this, relieve your stress and anxiety level by meditating.
Regular exercising also helps in the production of this hormone.
Key Takeaways About Hormonal Weight Gain
You will need the help of an endocrinologist to treat the underlying causes of hormones that cause weight gain.
If not attended to with the urgency required, their effects might be irreversible or untreatable.
In addition, their effects can cause high risks for deplorable health conditions, which might increase mortality and morbidity.
In conclusion, ensure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle by working out regularly, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress.
Doing these will efficiently manage and reverse hormonal weight gain lower the risks associated with weight gain.
