Your hormones play a very important role in your body. These are the chemicals that help to coordinate different functions in your body.
These chemicals are carried through your blood to different organs, skin, muscles and other tissues which signal your body what to do and when to do it. Like other body functions, hormones do impact your body weight as well.
If you’re on a weight loss journey, it is important that you keep a check on your hormonal levels. If your hormonal levels are disrupted, there are high chances that it will affect your weight loss. Here are some hormones that have an impact on your body weight and also your weight loss.
Insulin
This hormone is produced by the pancreas and helps in the regulation of glucose metabolism. It helps in processing the glucose from the blood into cells, where it’s either used for energy or stored as fat. When insulin levels are elevated due to factors like insulin resistance, which often causes obesity, it can lead to increased fat storage and weight gain.
Leptin
This is often referred to as the “satiety hormone,” leptin is released by fat cells and acts on the brain to signal fullness and regulate energy balance. Higher levels of body fat typically lead to higher leptin levels. However, in cases of leptin resistance, the brain may become less responsive to its signals, leading to overeating and weight gain despite high leptin levels.
Ghrelin
Ghrelin is known as the “hunger hormone” because it stimulates appetite and promotes food intake. It’s primarily produced in the stomach and increases before meals, signalling hunger to the brain. Ghrelin levels decrease after eating. In obese individuals, ghrelin levels may not decrease appropriately after meals, leading to continued feelings of hunger and overeating.
Cortisol
This is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, cortisol plays a role in metabolism and fat storage. Chronic stress can lead to consistent elevated cortisol levels, which can lead to weight gain, particularly abdominal fat. Also, cortisol can influence food preferences, often leading to cravings for high-calorie, comfort foods.
Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism. When thyroid function is low (hypothyroidism), the metabolic rate decreases, leading to weight gain and also difficulty losing weight. On the other hand, when thyroid function is high (hyperthyroidism), the metabolic rate increases, resulting in weight loss and difficulty gaining weight.
Adiponectin
Secreted by adipose tissue, adiponectin helps regulate glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. Higher levels of adiponectin are linked to improved insulin sensitivity and lower body weight. However, obesity is often linked to reduced adiponectin levels, which can contribute to insulin resistance and weight gain.
Estrogen
Sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone influence body composition and fat distribution. Lower estrogen levels in menopause or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
