The Role of Hormones in Weight Management

 

Hormones are chemical messengers of the body. Glands, organs, and tissues make and secrete hormones. These hormones carry messages to the target organs through the blood. Hormones facilitate and coordinate various bodily functions such as metabolism, hunger, satiety, sex drive, growth and development, etc.

An ideal balance of hormones in the body is essential for smooth functioning. Due to their role in metabolism, appetite, and feeling of fullness, certain hormones can affect one’s body weight.

This article discusses the different hormones that affect body weight and provides tips on weight management by maintaining these hormones at optimum levels.

Role of Hormones in Weight Management

1. Insulin

The pancreas produces insulin in the body. Insulin promotes the storage of glucose in muscle, liver and fat cells in healthy people. The body can use this stored glucose to meet energy requirements.

When the cells stop responding to insulin, glucose absorption does not occur adequately. Insulin resistance and obesity often occur together. Obesity further increases the risk of other conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Some weight management tips through maintaining healthy insulin sensitivity are:

1. Exercising regularly
2. Getting adequate, good-quality sleep at night
3. Adding an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet
4. Following a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fat
5. Maintaining a healthy weight

 

2. Leptin

The hormone leptin signals the brain about fullness when eating. In people with obesity, the body can become resistant to leptin. Hence, the fullness signal does not reach the brain and can lead to overeating and consequent weight gain. Healthy leptin levels and good leptin sensitivity are essential in weight management.

The following tips can help maintain healthy leptin levels in the body:

1. Improving sleep quality
2. Exercising regularly
3. Maintaining a healthy weight

 

3. Ghrelin

The ghrelin hormone performs the function opposite to that of leptin. Ghrelin signals the brain regarding hunger. Typically, ghrelin levels are higher at the beginning of a meal and reduce after. However, an increased sensitivity to ghrelin can lead to overeating and weight gain.

In a calorie restriction protocol for weight loss, ghrelin levels can rise, increasing hunger. Furthermore, the metabolism can slow down, reducing leptin levels. Both effects make a calorie-restricted diet for weight loss challenging to follow.

Here are some ways to cope ghrelin levels to avoid overeating:

1. Eating when hungry
2. Improving sleep quality
3. Maintaining a healthy body weight

 

4. Cortisol

The adrenal glands produce and release cortisol. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. Cortisol increases heart rate and energy levels, typically under situations of stress.

While the release of cortisol is helpful under situations of stress, chronically elevated cortisol levels are detrimental to the body as they can cause high blood pressure, diabetes and weight gain.

Obesity can increase cortisol levels, which can cause weight gain, creating a self-sustaining loop of weight gain.

Some tips to lower cortisol levels are:

1. Optimizing sleep
2. Exercising regularly
3. Practicing mindfulness
4. Maintaining a moderate body weight
5. Eating a healthy, balanced diet

 

5. Estrogen

Estrogen is a sex hormone associated with the female reproductive system. Estrogen also facilitates the regulation of the vascular, immune and skeletal systems. Estrogen levels fluctuate during different life stages, such as pregnancy, nursing or menopause.

Both high and low levels of estrogen are associated with weight gain and risk of conditions like hypertension, cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Maintaining healthy estrogen levels is essential in weight management and avoiding disease risk.

Some tips for the same are:

1. Maintaining a moderate body weight to reduce the risk of metabolic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
2. Exercising regularly
3. Limiting the intake of red meat, processed food and sugar

 

6. Neuropeptide Y

Neuropeptide Y hormone is produced by cells in the brain and nervous system. This hormone facilitates appetite stimulation and is related to obesity and weight gain.

High levels of neuropeptide Y can cause abdominal obesity and inflammation in the body. Both these conditions can increase the risk of several other diseases.

Tips to maintain low neuropeptide Y levels are:

1. Exercising regularly
2. Eating a balanced, nourished diet

Certain hormones play a crucial role in metabolism and appetite. Successfully managing hormones for weight loss can lower the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Healthy hormone levels also contribute to overall well-being.

Upon facing difficulty with weight loss, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor and get hormone levels tested at Dr Lal PathLabs.

FAQs

 

1. What conditions can be caused by hormone issues?

The major conditions that can be caused by hormone issues include:

1. Diabetes
2. Thyroid disease
3. Irregular periods
4. Female infertility
5. Male infertility
6. Obesity

 

2. What are the signs of hormonal weight gain?

The signs of hormonal weight gain can include:

1. Fatigue
2. Muscle weakness
3. Increase in body fat, especially abdominal fat
4. Acne
5. Headache
6. Visual disturbances
7. Impotence