Hormones are chemicals produced by the body to affect particular changes. Some hormones are present in very different amounts between men and women. Hormones are created in glands located within the body. Hormone imbalances and hormone changes can have effects on weight loss.
Cortisol and Insulin
When the body is under stress, it produces the hormone cortisol. This hormone causes the appetite to increase. Cortisol can also cause you to crave snack foods such as sugar and carbohydrates. Ironically, eating these types of foods can affect insulin production. Insulin is the hormone that transports sugar; increased insulin can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, which can trigger cortisol production.
Serotonin
Serotonin, made from amino acids in proteins, works to tell your brain when you are full. When serotonin levels are low, weight loss can be challenging. Low serotonin can lead to a lack of energy, affecting your ability to exercise, and can increase appetite and cravings for carbohydrates. Low serotonin can also be the result of increased cortisol.
Ghrelin and Leptin
Ghrelin is a hormone created in the stomach. Ghrelin's purpose is to tell you that you are hungry. If ghrelin production is too high or not functioning properly, you will have a strong appetite and will likely overeat. This can hinder weight loss, especially if you are trying to eat less and always feel hungry. Ghrelin can also cause fat to accumulate in the abdomen, according to Dr. Amaia Rodríguez Murueta-Goyena, researcher at the University Hospital of Navarra. Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that works with ghrelin. This hormone tells the brain when you are full. If leptin production does not work properly you may never receive the message that you are full; if you never feel satisfied after eating you will likely continue to eat more than you need, preventing you from losing weight.
Thyroid
Thyroid hormones affect metabolism, the process by which your body uses energy. If you have an underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism, you burn fewer calories by doing the same activities as others, and therefore can gain weight, or have a harder time losing weight. If you have hyperthyroidism, overactive thyroid, you will lose weight or have trouble keeping weight on. Treatment is available for treating both hyper- and hypothyroidism.
Menopause
Women going through menopause will experience a variety of changes as the result of hormone fluctuations. According to the MayoClinic, as you age and enter menopause, fat will be distributed in the abdomen more than hips and thighs. These changes are the result of changing hormones. Menopause itself should not cause weight fluctuations, but a changing lifestyle can make it more difficult to lose or maintain your current weight.
References
- Medline Plus: Hormones
- MayoClinic: Stress: Constant stress puts your health at risk
- Alive: The Hormones of Fat Loss
- Science Daily: Action Of Ghrelin Hormone Increases Appetite And Favors Accumulation Of Abdominal Fat
- Thyroid.Org: Thyroid and Weight
- MayoClinic: Menopause weight gain: Stop the middle age spread
