Worldwide obesity levels have soared since 2008, according to a study published in the February 2011 issue of the British medical journal "The Lancet." Excess weight increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers. Weight gain can also lead to hormonal irregularities. Weight loss may help reverse these irregularities, but rapid or excessive weight loss can also cause hormonal disruption.
Hormones
Hormones are produced in a special group of cells called the endocrine glands. They move through the bloodstream to tissues and organs and affect various body processes such as metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, growth and development and mood.
Insulin
Overeating, particularly excess consumption of refined and simple carbohydrates can lead to regular insulin surges, which results in excessive fat storage and weight gain. Insulin insensitivity and diabetes may also occur. Weight loss may eliminate insulin insensitivity and normalize insulin secretion, according to a study by the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproduction at University Hospital in Heidelberg Germany, reported in the November 1996 issue of "Human Reproduction."
Female Hormones
Obesity or weight gain in women may result in hormonal irregularities, which may cause infertility and menstrual aberration. The Heidelberg study investigated 58 obese pre-menopausal women, all of whom were infertile and had hormonal and menstrual irregularities. Of those 58, 35 of the women volunteered for a weight loss program. Hormone and estradiol levels normalized and menstrual function improved in 80 percent of the women. Excessive weight loss in women can lead to disruption or cessation of menstrual cycles.
Male Hormones
Rapid weight loss may decrease testosterone levels in young athletic men according to a study in the November 2008 issue of the "Journal of International Sports Medicine." Testosterone levels decline as men age and older men may develop gynecomastia, or breast enlargement, and excess belly fat. Levels of the female hormone estrogen also increase. Weight loss will help reduce estrogen levels and breast enlargement.
References
- The Lancet: National, Regional, and Global Trends in Body-Mass Index since 1980: Systematic Analysis of Health Examination Surveys and Epidemiological Studies with 960 Country-Years and 9·1 Million Participants February 2011: Mariel M Finucane AB Et Al
- "Human Reproduction": Effects of Weight Loss on the Hormonal Profile in Obese, Infertile Women: Michaela Hollmann et al: November 1996
- International Journal Sports Medicine: Rapid Weight Loss Decreases Serum Testosterone: TAM Karila et al : November 2008
- Medline Plus: Hormones
- Medline Plus: Menstruation Absent
- Iron Man Magazine; Testosterone and Rapid Weight Loss
