Understanding Hormones and their Impact on Body Weight

03:04 PM

Sunday, June 11, 2023

I wrote – Hoda Abdel Nasser:

Some people suffer from significant weight gain without eating a large amount of food, which causes an increase in feelings of discomfort and anxiety for fear of another health problem.

In the following report, The Consulto reviews the most prominent hormones that affect body weight, according to Healthline.

Hormones affect body weight

1- Insulin

Insulin is known as one of the main storage hormones in the body. Insulin is secreted in small amounts throughout the day, and the quantities increase after eating. Then glucose is transferred from food to the cells for storage and to increase energy. Some people may develop insulin resistance as a result of the cells not responding, which causes obesity.

Also read: 3 alternatives to insulin injections – how effective are they?

2- Leptin

The leptin hormone is responsible for the feeling of fullness, and therefore in the event that people develop leptin resistance, some may suffer from obesity as a result of overeating, as there is no clear reason for leptin resistance, but the cause may be inflammation, genetic mutations, or excessive leptin production.

You may be interested: The leptin diet controls your appetite.. Here are its most prominent risks

3- Ghrelin

Ghrelin is the opposite of the hormone leptin, as it is responsible for sending signals to the brain that the stomach is empty and then increasing appetite. Usually, levels of the hormone increase before eating, but some people may develop a sensitivity to ghrelin and thus overeat, which requires permanent work to treat the problem.

You may also be interested in: How to control the hunger hormone.. 5 foods that help you feel full while dieting

4- Cortisol

Cortisol is known as the stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland. When you feel stressed, this hormone causes an increase in your heart rate and energy levels, as well as some health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, low energy levels, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and weight gain.

5- Estrogen

Estrogen is the hormone responsible for regulating the female reproductive system, as well as the immune system, skeletal system, and blood vessels. Levels of this hormone usually change during life stages such as pregnancy, lactation, and menopause. Thus, high estrogen levels are associated with the risk of obesity, some types of cancer, and chronic diseases.

Also read: Hormonal diet .. Does it help in losing weight?

Tips for maintaining normal hormone levels

There are many tips that must be followed to maintain the levels of hormones in the body, including:

Do regular exercise.

Follow a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

– Avoid eating processed foods.

– Ensure that you sleep a sufficient number of hours, not less than 6 continuous hours.

Reducing the percentage of sugars obtained.

Take the nutritional supplements prescribed by the specialist doctor on a regular basis.

– Make sure to eat the right amount of nuts to get the most natural nutrients.

Reduce stress as much as possible.