If you thought weight gain was all about the calorie intake and the calorie burn equation, you got only a part right. Surprisingly, the interplay of hormones in the body dictates the body’s ability to shed excess weight. From hunger pangs, and appetite to fat storage; hormones control every aspect of the metabolism. And when these hormones get out of balance, weight loss becomes a challenge. Thankfully, hormone therapies are available that correct issues about hormone imbalance weight loss. Let’s understand how to balance hormones to lose weight:
Hormones That Affect Weight
Hormones, or chemical messengers, control various processes in the body. It is indeed complex networking as levels of each affect the functioning of the other and vice versa. Here’s a comprehensive list of hormones that play a role in weight management:
Estrogen
Estrogen is a sex hormone that regulates the female reproductive system. It is majorly produced by the ovaries with a small amount being secreted by the adrenal gland. Its levels rise and fall during each menstrual cycle. But during perimenopause and menopause, the levels of estrogen remain consistently low. Woodland Hills weight loss clinics often see cases of central obesity (build-up of belly fat) due to low estrogen levels.
Insulin
Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is important for the storage of glucose. The hormone is secreted throughout the day and is essential for the conversion of glucose from food into energy which is either used instantly or stored as fat. But once the body accumulates too much fat, it becomes insulin resistant which in turn increases obesity levels.
Cortisol
Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. Chronic stress increases hunger pangs and reduces the satiety hormone. Furthermore, high levels of cortisol make the body store more fat which in turn contributes to higher cortisol production. When it comes to hormone imbalance and weight gain, excess cortisol is the worst culprit. It leads to the accumulation of visceral fat, the most hard-to-shed and deadly fat type.
Adiponectin
Insufficient levels of adiponectin make weight loss challenging. Adiponectin is the body’s fat-burning hormone. It is released by the fat tissue in the body and is important for regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. Its optimum levels reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which contribute to weight gain.
How To Balance Hormones For Weight Loss?
After a Google search for ‘weight loss facilities near me’, one may come across dedicated centers offering hormone therapies. With personalized hormone-balancing guidance from health experts, one can look at impressive results that otherwise appear impossible and unachievable.
Balancing hormones through artificial infusion is the best way to restore depleted levels.
However, certain lifestyle changes are also important to optimize the levels of these hormones. These include:
- The best way to maintain healthy estrogen levels is through estrogen-boosting supplements, regular exercise, and a well-balanced diet. Hormone Replacement Therapy is extremely beneficial for weight loss through the perimenopausal and postmenopausal phases.
- Skipping high-carb diets, avoiding sugar and refined foods, and insulin infusion through tablets or injections help maintain the body’s sugar levels. Omega-3 fatty acids and a high-fiber diet help improve insulin sensitivity. Also, being part of a hormone weight loss program can help achieve sustainable weight loss.
- Practicing stress management techniques is a good way to keep the levels low. This includes yoga, meditation, and/or pursuing hobbies. In addition to this, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting sleep are effective ways to keep cortisol levels low.
- Physical activity is a great way to keep levels of insulin and cortisol in place. While aerobic exercises like walking and running are good for insulin checks, relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation help balance cortisol levels. At least half an hour of physical activity per day is mandatory for healthier weight management.
- Staying hydrated is one of the crucial aspects of weight loss. Not being adequately hydrated puts the body under stress, leading to a higher production of cortisol. This pushes the body into the negative feedback loop.
Hormone Replacement Therapy And Weight Loss
In all stubborn cases where the traditional methods of weight loss fail to give way, hormone-balancing solutions can be a great leap. With customized therapies that aim at restoring the body’s natural hormone levels, one can be hopeful for great results with enduring health benefits.
But remember, hormone therapies are not a magical wand. It requires a careful interplay of lifestyle changes, eating habits and patterns, stress management, and mindfulness to reap desired results.
Final Thoughts
Women are most likely to face weight gain issues, especially during their perimenopausal phase. Shedding this extra weight can be extremely difficult. However, specialized centers like the Cherillyn Hormone Balance and Holistic Weight Loss clinic offer tailor-made programs to guide your weight loss journey. The certified experts at the center will help you understand hormonal weight management and its need for sustainable weight loss. Their guided and customized approach aims at hormone balancing to treat weight gain and its debilitating side effects. Schedule an appointment to get compassionate and comprehensive advice for your weight loss struggle.
