Counting calories is not the only thing you have to take into account when trying to lose weight. Other, much more endogenous factors are also responsible for the body’s tendency to gain or lose weight. This is for example the case with certain hormones.
Here’s how you can balance your hormones in order to lose weight more easily and sustainably:
Which hormones stimulate weight loss?
High levels of certain hormones in the body are known to promote weight loss and stimulate the entire metabolism. Therefore, stimulating the synthesis of these hormones can be an excellent strategy to lose weight more easily.
The hormones for weight loss
Leptin
Leptin is a peptide-like digestive hormone that both regulates the body’s fat reserves and stimulates satiety. That is why it is also called “satiety hormone”. A sufficient level of leptin would make it possible to regulate food intake and maintain a healthy weight.
Testosterone
Testosterone is an anabolic steroid hormone. It is a hormone that is secreted in both men and women and promotes protein synthesis and the development of muscle mass. A sufficient level of testosterone stimulates metabolism and prevents the storage of lipids and sugars in the form of triglycerides.
CCK (cholecystokinin)
CCK is a digestive hormone that is secreted in the small intestine and regulates the speed of digestion. Like leptin, although less known, it is also known as the satiety hormone.
Growth Hormone (HGH)
Human growth hormone also known as HGH and somatotropin is responsible for growth in the body. HGH promotes lean muscle mass and helps burn fat when its levels in the blood are adequate. However, an HGH deficiency could lead to the accumulation of fat causing the deficient person to gain weight. Worst of all being HGH deficient makes it very difficult to lose weight. HGH deficiency can be treated with HGH injections in severe cases however for most people HGH supplements such as gend20 Plus and Serovital might just be enough.
Thyroid hormones
The thyroid gland and the secretion of thyroid hormones are responsible for the proper functioning of the whole body. Thus, disorders of the thyroid completely disrupt the metabolism. Hypothyroidism, for example, is responsible for various discomforts: slow throughput, weight gain, loss of appetite, etc.
Hormones that make you gain weight
In contrast to the hormones mentioned above, certain hormones promote weight gain and the storage of nutrients in the body when synthesized excessively. This is, for example, the case with ghrelin. Its antagonistic action against that of leptin stimulates hunger. Basically, its level gradually increases before meals when the stomach is empty and naturally decreases after food intake. In people who are overweight or on a restrictive diet, the secretion of ghrelin can be deeply disturbed and cause eating disorders.
Similarly, cortisol is a hormone that promotes hyperinsulinism and the excessive storage of sugar in fat tissue in the form of triglycerides. Some studies show that too high a level of cortisol can be directly related to an increase in waist size and BMI (Body Mass Index). An increase in cortisol levels may be due to a chronic state of aggravated stress.
Finally, insulin is one of the hormones whose excessive levels are the most dangerous for the health of the body and the figure. Indeed, too much insulin secretion is responsible in the long term for insulin resistance, pancreatic fatigue and the onset of type 2 diabetes. Insulin also stimulates the storage of sugar in the form of triglycerides in fat tissue and weight gain.
Special diet for hormonal balance for weight loss
Fortunately, balancing your hormones to lose weight is quite possible, thanks to a good diet and some good habits.
Low sugar diet
White sugar is one of the main causes of hormonal imbalances. Its excessive consumption has a direct influence on insulin and cortisol secretion. In addition to providing nothing good for the body, consuming too much white sugar promotes weight gain, an increase in fat tissue and insulin resistance. In order to rebalance the hormonal system, it is therefore essential to reduce the daily consumption of sugar and sweet products.
Importance of quality fats
In the body, lipids play a very important role in the synthesis of hormones. An adequate and high-quality daily intake is therefore essential for a balanced hormonal system. To achieve this it is important to consume sufficient poly and monounsaturated fatty acids, which are mainly found in fish oil, oilseeds, olive oil, avocado and rapeseed oil. On the contrary, foods rich in trans-fatty acids and saturated fatty acids, such as fried and prepared dishes, meats and cheeses, should be restricted.
Stop alcohol consumption
Alcohol is a substance that can seriously disrupt the body and its functioning. In order to stay healthy, it is, therefore, advisable to stop your alcohol consumption.
Reducing the consumption of processed foods
In general, ready meals contain a considerable amount of sugar, salt, saturated and Trans fats and chemical additives. All these substances disrupt the synthesis and regulation of hormones. Therefore, it is recommended to go for a healthy, plant-based and seasonal diet based on raw and natural products. Cooking yourself is the best way to control the quality of your food and promote hormonal balance.
Helen Bradfield did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
