How hormones affect excess weight. Is obesity caused by hormonal imbalance? Hormones that cause us to gain weight

It is a fairly well-known fact that excess weight not only affects your appearance, but is also very dangerous to your health. There is a strict medical indicator - body mass index, which can be used to determine your weight. The formula for body mass index is weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters) squared. If in the end the number turns out to be less than 20, the weight is very low, up to 25 is normal, and if the number turns out to be more than 30, the weight is overweight. The above formula will help determine how your weight affects the body as a whole.

Main causes of human obesity

1. Lifestyle. A lot depends on where, how and with whom you live and eat accordingly. What kind of team do you work in, what kind of vehicles do you prefer, what clothes do you wear and in general what are your hobbies in life.
2. Eating habits. When, what, in what quantity and how many times a day do you eat.
3. Stress. A very common problem of obesity in those people who are exposed to frequent stress. There is a type of people who “seize” all their problems; in this way they limit themselves from nervous tension.
4. Constant feeling of fatigue and inadequate sleep.
5. Sexual problems. Oxytocin (calm hormone) is a hormone that is produced during physical intimacy, massage, and touch. It also appears when you eat fatty foods, which is why the lack of sex is often compensated for by eating fatty foods, which leads to weight gain.
6. Endocrine disorders. It is very important for your health to be periodically checked by an endocrinologist. After all, thyroid problems are directly related to obesity, and this is precisely what causes “slow metabolism.”

Let's take a closer look at the problems of excess weight that are associated with the endocrine system. After all, hormones are those active substances that affect almost all functions of the human body. They are responsible for metabolic rate, regulate appetite, and with their help you can both gain and lose weight.

Hormones that regulate weight gain or loss

1. Leptin- satiety hormone. This hormone sends signals to the brain that our body is already full of food and it’s time to stop taking it. Due to its effect on the brain, this hormone also maintains normal glucose levels. Lack of sleep leads to a decrease in leptin in the body. Paradoxically, when leptin was administered to mice in laboratory studies, their weight decreased. Based on this, it would seem that let’s take this hormone and the fight against extra pounds will stop, but it turns out that it’s not so simple. After all, its presence in overweight people is 10 times greater than in those whose weight is normal.
2. Ghrelin- a hunger hormone that is responsible for digestion processes. The function of ghrelin is not only to increase appetite, but also to push the body to accumulate fat cells. Sleep is also directly related to this hormone. Sleeping 2-3 hours less than usual will result in more ghrelin production than leptin by as much as 15-20%.
3. Cortisol- a stress hormone that constitutes the protective function of the human body and is produced in moments of stressful situations. Many people feel hungry during times of stress - this is caused by cortisol. Thus, with the help of goodies you can survive stressful situations easier and faster. But the bad thing is that it slows down metabolism, which contributes to rapid weight gain. The main problem is that in order to somehow influence the production of cortisol, you need to find different ways of relaxation: yoga, meditation, dancing, etc.
4. Adrenalin- a hormone that manifests itself during moments of excitement. Adrenaline goes next to cortisol, often intersecting; the difference between them is not big, but there is. Jumping with a parachute for the first time causes fear and the production of cortisol, and further jumps cause emotional excitement - adrenaline. Thus, adrenaline triggers the process of thermogenesis - the combustion of reserve energy and, accordingly, weight loss.
5. Estrogen- a female hormone that is produced by the ovaries; its deficiency is responsible for weight gain. Thanks to this hormone, in young women fat accumulates in the lower body, and in women after 40 in the waist area. It is a great passion for sweets that is a lack of estrogen. As soon as the estrogen content drops, the body finds it in fat deposits - this causes a decrease in testosterone, which is responsible for muscle mass, and it begins to decrease. The result is a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in fat mass. In order not to lose shape, muscles need constant physical activity.
6. Insulin. Its job in the body is to supply sugar to fat cells. Insulin regulates the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood; if there is too much of it, it stores it in reserve in the form of fat deposits. If insulin production is impaired, the end result will be diabetes.
7. Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). The thyroid gland is responsible for their production. The most important of them is thyroxine, which can influence metabolic processes in the body, in particular, reduce weight. Often, thyroxine deficiency appears due to iodine deficiency. So, eat iodized salt and a lot of seafood, in particular seaweed, then you will never have to face problems associated with thyroid hormones.
8. Testosterone- responsible for sexual desire. It is a male hormone, but it is also present in small quantities in the female body. Testosterone plays a very important role in weight control because it uses fat cells as fuel to gain muscle mass. With the onset of menopause, the female body begins to produce half as much of this hormone, which leads to faster weight gain.

If you are overweight, the first thing you need to do is get a blood test to check for hormonal imbalances. Perhaps it is hormones that force your body to store fat cells in the form of excess weight, and it is through them that you cannot normalize your body weight.

For more information about hormones that regulate human weight, see here:

Excess weight and hormones are directly related. Negative life circumstances, such as stress or depression, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, cause disruption to the endocrine system. Due to disruption of the functioning of which, kilograms are gained. This is why it is very important to first regulate your hormones to lose weight and restore their healthy balance.

Hormones are chemical elements that act as messengers to coordinate the vital processes of the body. The endocrine system, which produces hormones, is closely related to the nervous and immune systems. When one of them malfunctions, this inevitably leads to unfavorable changes in the other.

Hormones and obesity are closely related, as the former influence appetite, metabolic rate and fat distribution, leading to hormonal obesity. And this, in turn, can also cause an imbalance of biological substances of internal secretion.

Even with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, some women still find it difficult. One factor that many people don't always take into account when it comes to weight loss is how hormones affect a woman's weight.

The body is like a large clockwork mechanism, and they are just one of the “cogs” involved in helping all the parts function smoothly. And sometimes even maintaining a healthy diet and physical activity cannot protect against the appearance of imbalance and excess weight.

General symptoms:

1. Menstrual irregularities.
2. Apathy and fatigue.
3. Insomnia.
4. Reproductive system disorders.
5. Distracted attention.
6. Decreased libido.
7. Increased body hair growth.
8. Blood pressure surges.

It is impossible to say with any certainty which hormone is responsible for weight. Because a decrease or increase in various indicators is immediately reflected in its jump. There are many factors that influence hormonal obesity:

1. Pregnancy.
2. Puberty period.
3. Lactation.
4. Diseases of the endocrine system.
5. Menopause.
6. Taking hormonal pharmaceutical drugs.
7. Chronic exacerbations.
8. Pathologies and neoplasms.

Very often, obesity is associated with chronic inflammation in adipose tissue. Excessive fat storage leads to stress reactions in fat cells, which in turn lead to the release of inflammatory factors from the fat cells themselves and the tissue's immune cells. Excess weight increases the risk of a number of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke and several types of cancer, and reduces the length and quality of life.

Increased estrogen production in obese older women is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

To understand how to lose weight during and after hormonal imbalance, you need to undergo a medical examination, as well as consult a doctor for further treatment. Without this, getting rid of obesity due to hormonal imbalance will be a difficult task.

How to lose weight after hormonal imbalance

Many are convinced that the key to losing weight is consuming fewer calories per day. But this formula works ideally if the endocrine system is normal. Therefore, the question becomes relevant: is it possible to lose weight during hormonal imbalance? The answer to it is quite simple: of course, it is possible, because it is easily corrected by taking special medications, proper nutrition and eliminating negative situations.

How to lose weight after hormonal imbalance:

1. The first step on the path to recovery is a visit to an endocrinologist. After consultation and testing, it will be possible to determine which hormones are responsible for weight gain in each individual case. For example, a lack of estrogen (the synthesis of which is also responsible for fat cells) provokes the body to redistribute calories into fat deposits. When progesterone levels are low, fluid retention occurs in the tissues, which inevitably leads to weight gain. And low levels of thyroid hormones, thyroid T3 and T4, cause your metabolism to slow down, where calories are stored as sides around the waist rather than burned for energy.
2. The second step is a radical change in lifestyle. It is important to consider here that you should not limit yourself to taking pharmaceutical medications. If weight gain is influenced by the hormone cortisol, which is produced during a stressful period, then first of all it is necessary to exclude this situation. Or try to change your attitude towards her for the benefit of your health. Another point is to establish a proper diet. After all, consuming large amounts of simple carbohydrates affects insulin production. A lack of vitamins and minerals disrupts the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Which hormone is responsible for weight

Hormones are involved in controlling how the body uses calories for energy. The body is designed to utilize energy from fat tissue instead of carbohydrates and muscle. In fact, burning fat provides 3 times more energy.

There are a number of hormones that are responsible for weight in women. They affect the speed of metabolic processes, performance, appetite regulation and fatness:

• insulin;
• prolactin;
• cortisol;
• adrenalin;
• ghrelin, leptin;
• melatonin, endorphin;
• estrogen, progesterone;
• thyroid group.

The influence of hormones on weight is very high. They can stimulate or inhibit body functions responsible for body weight. Therefore, for effective weight loss it is necessary to balance their indicators.

A hormone that helps regulate weight is insulin.

Insulin is a protein hormone that stores fat. It is produced by the pancreas and is a hormonal signal to the body for weight gain.

The higher the insulin level, the more weight you will gain. Insulin causes obesity.

Its job is to control blood glucose levels. With excessive consumption of sugar and starch, the pancreas can no longer cope with the volume, and insulin production fails. The body begins to distribute glucose into reserve, rather than energy. Insulin can not only cause generalized obesity, but also diabetes. At high values, lipohypertrophy can be observed.

How does the hormone prolactin affect weight loss?

Prolactinoma or high prolactin levels are blood tests produced by the pituitary gland. Typically, prolactin levels are high during pregnancy and after childbirth. As a rule, they return to normal after stopping breastfeeding.

Prolactin is very important for the production of breast milk, and also affects adipose tissue and metabolic processes in the body. Research shows that elevated levels in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding slow the rate at which fat is broken down, which can lead to weight gain. In addition, sometimes stress and certain medications can increase prolactin levels in the blood. It is also associated with menstrual problems and infertility.

Stress regulators cortisol and adrenaline

During times of emotional stress, the adrenal glands release more cortisol and adrenaline than usual. This helps the body cope with life's difficulties and endure them more easily. The problem is that many people are under constant, prolonged stress, which causes the adrenal glands to produce extra cortisol and adrenaline. This ultimately leads to hormonal imbalance.

Cortisol is not a good or bad hormone, it simply does what it is designed to do .

Cortisol and adrenaline cause the body to burn calories from carbohydrates and muscle mass (protein). This literally prevents the breakdown of fat. Their excess production interferes with the functioning of the thyroid gland.

The body's response to high cortisol levels:

• fatigue;
• weight gain;
• depression;
• liver dysfunction;
• the occurrence of allergies;
• joint pain;
• migraine;
• decreased libido;
• gastrointestinal disorder;
• decreased immunity.

Excess or underproduction of both cortisol and adrenaline can negatively impact not only your weight, but also your energy levels.

Hunger regulators ghrelin and leptin

The body has hormonal mechanisms that regulate appetite and weight that attempt to maintain homeostasis over the long term: leptin and ghrelin. Both are peripheral signals with central effects. In other words, they are secreted in other parts of the body (peripheral) but affect the brain (central).

If you consistently consume less energy (in the form of food) than is expended through basal metabolism and activity (as in dieting), the body responds with hunger. These hormones activate the hypolamus.

Leptin relieves hunger, ghrelin enhances it.

Leptin is produced by adipose tissue and secreted into the circulatory system, where it then travels to the hypothalamus. Leptin tells him that there is enough fat in the body, so appetite and the amount of food consumed decreases.

Ghrelin, on the contrary, causes a feeling of hunger. Its elevated levels in the blood lead to constant overeating and excess body weight gain. To bring the levels of these hormones back to normal, you need to:

• get enough sleep;
• avoid starvation;
• reduce or eliminate stress.

Hormones for weight loss during menopause

For the female body, menopause means the cessation of reproductive function and the restructuring of hormonal levels. During this period, the level of estrogen and estradiol rapidly decreases. Their production in the ovaries stops and actively begins in fat reserves.

In old age, this tendency leads to increased fat storage in the waist and abdomen.

One of the main functions of these hormones is participation in metabolic processes. Therefore, a decrease in their level disrupts the rhythm of absorption of nutrients from food. This is what leads to obesity in women during menopause, even in the absence of changes in diet.

Changes in the psycho-emotional sphere also affect the production of increased amounts of cortisol. The result is depression and a sedentary lifestyle. The stage of calorie accumulation and excess weight gain begins.

Postmenopausal women taking estrogen supplements are not likely to experience significant weight gain. Also, by maintaining a physically active life and proper nutrition, gaining kilograms can be easily prevented.

Metabolic regulators of thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones (thyroids T1, T2, T3, T4) may play an important role in maintaining a healthy weight. They help regulate the rate at which food is converted into energy. When it slows down, problems with weight loss begin.

Hypothyroidism is a lack of thyroid hormones.

If the body produces too much thyroid hormone (called hyperthyroidism), the metabolic rate increases, making it difficult to gain weight.

With a lack of thyroid hormones, the body stops converting food into energy, sending it into fat reserves. To cope with this problem, you can include seafood rich in iodine and selenium in your diet. It is these microelements that are important for normal thyroid function.

Anti-stressors melatonin and endorphins

Melatonin has a natural calming effect. It is responsible for regulating circadian rhythms and improving performance. Healthy performance helps you cope with stressful situations. It also ensures productivity and activity of all body systems during the day.

Melatonin is produced only at night.

To regulate the levels of this hormone, you need to normalize your wakefulness and sleep patterns - go to bed at the same time and fall asleep in a dark room (without additional lighting in the form of nightlights).

Endorphins are peptides naturally produced in the brain. They are also called joy hormones, as they can influence psycho-emotional behavior. They reduce pain, similar to the effects of opium compounds. An increase in the synthesis of endorphins by cells leads a person to euphoria and a feeling of pleasure. This helps to avoid depressive and apathetic states that lead to weight gain.

The production of endorphins is influenced by prolonged physical activity and strong experiences (love, fame, creativity).

Muscle builders growth hormones

The pituitary gland in the brain produces growth hormone (somatropin), which affects human growth and helps build bones and muscles. It also affects metabolism. Researchers have found that its levels are lower in obese people than in people of normal weight. With age, the level of somatropin decreases, and by the age of 50 its production stops altogether.

To activate growth hormone for weight loss, you need to follow a sleep schedule. The peak of its production by the body occurs in the first hours of falling asleep. Taking amino acids, arginine and ornithine, also stabilizes the indicators. And in combination with vitamins C, group B, potassium, magnesium and calcium, their effectiveness only increases.

Female hormones

The female sex hormone, estrogen, plays an important role in maintaining weight balance. When its level is high, the legs are also noted. With age and with the onset of menopause, its levels decrease and fat begins to be deposited mainly on the arms, waist and abdomen. After age 40, the body produces estrogen from fat cells. Therefore, their supply becomes vital and losing weight is much more difficult than in younger years.

To normalize estrogen levels, you need to consume enough fiber-rich vegetables. They help remove not only toxins, but also excess hormones. To avoid severe gas formation, vegetables should be introduced gradually, bringing the norm to 45 grams of fiber per day.

How to lose weight by taking hormones

The use of hormonal drugs for weight loss is prescribed to correct the excess of female sex hormones and the lack of thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland. It is important to understand how to properly lose weight while taking hormones. After all, these pills are not a means to lose extra pounds. Their goal is to restore balance in the body. Weight loss will be a consequence of these changes.

Taking hormonal medications should always be discussed with your doctor.

There is also a third group that can significantly help in weight loss. These are tablets containing somatropin - growth hormone. But taking them can have unfavorable changes in the appearance and health of older women. They are unsafe, since the body produces growth hormone only until full maturity, mainly during adolescence.

Hormonal imbalance is fraught with many negative consequences for the body. Not only health, but also figure often suffers from hormonal imbalance; hormonal imbalance and excess weight are often interconnected, and both sexes are susceptible to this, but hormonal imbalance is more common in women than in men. From this article you will learn how to lose weight after a hormonal imbalance and what it even is.

What is hormonal obesity, causes and symptoms depending on the location of fat deposition

The answer to the question “is it possible to lose weight if you have a hormonal imbalance?” - Most likely no. Diets and exercise will have little effect as they do not address the underlying cause. First you need to restore hormonal balance. Weight gain due to hormonal imbalance differs from “normal” nutritional obesity primarily in the uneven distribution of fat. Based on the location of fat deposits, it is possible to determine which hormone production is impaired.

Fat deposits in the upper back, chest in women:

Fat deposits in the back and chest are caused by excess production of the hormone prolactin, which is produced by the reproductive system and is responsible for lactation. Excessive production of this hormone is called prolactinemia and provokes swelling and the appearance of excess fat deposits.

Other symptoms of prolactinemia:

• increased breast sensitivity;
• strong appetite;
• absence of menstruation;
• infertility.

Fat deposits around the waist and abdomen:

An increase in waist size is caused by problems with the thyroid or pancreas.

• metabolic syndrome. Hyperinsulism. Improper production of insulin, a hormone of the pancreas, disrupts the process of sugar metabolism and fat breakdown and makes a person constantly feel hungry.
• hypothyroidism Thyroid dysfunction slows down metabolism and causes hypothyroid obesity, since glucose does not provide energy, but is deposited in the abdominal area. Additional symptoms are chronic fatigue, increased fatigue and puffy cheeks.

Deposits on the thighs and buttocks.

Insufficient estrogen production is most often to blame for increased fat deposition in this area. This problem is characterized by other symptoms:

• irritability and unstable mood;
• increased fatigue;
• lack of sexual desire;
• absent-mindedness, forgetfulness;
• infertility.

Problems with estrogen production are associated with other hormones:

• follicle-stimulating hormone - stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries, produced by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus;
• luteinizing hormone - closely related to follicle-stimulating hormone, responsible for the rupture of the dominant follicle, produced by the pituitary gland.

Other causes of hormonal obesity

• disruption of testosterone production. In fact, this is not obesity, but an increase in muscle mass. In this case, fat is not deposited. The figure begins to resemble a man's. But excess testosterone is to blame for a woman’s increase in weight and size, which is most often extremely undesirable. This can happen for many reasons:
  • polycystic or swollen ovaries;
  • congenital dysfunction of the adrenal cortex;
  • idiopathic hirsutism;
  • virilizing tumors.

Men suffer from obesity when there is a lack of testosterone, as it is responsible for burning fat and distributing energy into muscle mass. An increase in the amount of female hormones also leads to this result in men. The most striking example is the beer belly in men, which appears due to excess phytoestrogens contained in beer and beer drinks.

• hypercorticism. A dysfunction of the adrenal glands, in which they produce too many glucocorticoids, which leads to metabolic disorders, sexual desire disorder, hypertension, and heart failure. Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” stimulates appetite and slows metabolism;
• disturbances in the functioning of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus are responsible for the endocrine system and metabolism. It is quite logical that if their function is impaired, weight gain may occur, and improper functioning of the hypothalamus affects the feeling of satiety and provokes overeating. Additional symptoms: constant thirst, chronic fatigue, headache, purple stretch marks on the chest and hips, diabetes insipidus;
• decrease in estradiol. Estradiol is one of the estrogens. Hormonal obesity in older women is due to the fact that estradiol levels decrease over time.

Causes of hormonal imbalance in women

Hormonal obesity often occurs in the following cases:

• pregnancy and lactation, during the restructuring of the body, women often face hormonal obesity after childbirth.
• puberty, the body is rebuilt, sex hormone centers are activated, which often provokes temporary but sudden weight gain;
• menopause;
• infections and neoplasms that can affect hormonal centers in the body;
• taking certain hormonal medications: oral contraceptives or antihistamine hormonal ointments; after discontinuation of such drugs, hormonal levels often cannot normalize on their own;
• dysfunction of the endocrine system as a result of diseases or congenital anomalies.
• prolonged stressful conditions. Stress stimulates the release of the hormone cortisol, which increases appetite and slows metabolism, and also suppresses the production of oxytocin, which affects the production of prolactin.
• nutritional obesity. Adipose tissue is also hormonally active; it generates the hormone leptin, which blocks testosterone synthesis and interferes with the action of insulin, which disrupts the body's hormonal balance and increases sugar levels.

Symptoms and signs of hormonal imbalance

Symptoms are manifestations of the disease that can be noticed by the patient himself, who does not have special knowledge:

• problems with the menstrual cycle: irregularity in duration, heavy discharge, intermenstrual bleeding;
• mood swings for no reason;
• increased body hair growth;
• decreased sexual desire;
• secretion of milk from the mammary glands;
• hair loss.

Signs are manifestations of the disease that the doctor observes based on the results of tests, studies and complaints from the patient:

• cessation of ovulation;
• change in the phases of the cycle (shortening or lengthening one of them);
• ovarian or corpus luteum cyst;
• myoma;
• thickening or too thin layer of the endometrium;
• disruption of the follicle formation process.

Is it possible to lose weight if you are hormonally obese? If yes, then how and what should be done?

Is it possible to lose weight after a hormonal imbalance? Obesity, which occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance, is very difficult to get rid of. Usually this cannot be done without medical intervention, since this disease requires medical and sometimes surgical treatment.

First of all, it is necessary to take blood tests for hormones in order to determine which hormone disruption caused obesity and to develop a suitable treatment regimen. Some endocrinologists prefer to treat hormonal imbalance in women with hormonal contraceptives. This is convenient for doctors, since there is no need to find out which hormone is the problem, because OCs contain a synthetic analogue of all female hormones for each day of the menstrual cycle. This approach is fraught with negative consequences:

• possible intolerance;
• high fertility after discontinuation of the course;
• increased signs of hormonal imbalance after withdrawal, every 8 patients notice that they have gained even more weight from hormonal medications.

An individual treatment regimen, which is developed by an endocrinologist in accordance with test results, is more preferable. As additional treatment, massage, physiotherapy and salt baths are used, and sometimes diet pills are prescribed.

Nutrition for hormonal imbalance

Medicines will correct hormonal imbalance, but will not destroy existing fat deposits. In order for the acquired obesity to go away, you need to reconsider your diet and add cardio exercises (men too, but they suffer from hormonal obesity much less often). A diet for hormonal imbalance for weight loss will help you lose weight and improve your overall health.

• reduce caloric intake;
• monitor the consumption of sufficient amounts of clean water;
• eat often, but in small portions;
• exclude salt, sweet and fatty foods, limit spices and smoked foods;
• increase the amount of fermented milk products;
• give preference to foods rich in vitamins, iodine, zinc and selenium.

There are special recommendations for problems with different hormones.

• fruits, especially dates, vegetables, honey;
• meat and dairy products;
• green tea and hibiscus;
• oatmeal;
• stevia;
• vitamin C;
• licorice root, no more than 6 weeks;
• decoction of mint and fireweed;
• products containing phytosterols (sesame, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed oil).

Foods to avoid:

• Fish and seafood
• red wine;
• chicken eggs;
• almond.

If there is a lack of estrogen, you need to consume:

• legumes;
• sprouted wheat;
• greens and mushrooms;
• eggs;
• beef;
• oatmeal;
• dairy products;
• pumpkin seeds and nuts.

Special diets for hormonal imbalance

Metabolic medical diet

It is also called hormonal. A hormonal diet for weight loss regulates the production of insulin and the formation of fat.

According to this diet, all products are divided according to a 4-point system.

0 points	Eggs, seafood and fish, turkey, low-fat dairy, chicken, rabbit, green peas, seaweed, herbs and vegetables, fiber and mushrooms.
1 point	Beans, berries, freshly squeezed vegetable juices.
2 points	Bran, vegetable oils, low-saccharide fruits, brown rice, oatmeal and buckwheat, beef and lamb, goat cheese, seeds and nuts, dairy products 2-4% fat.
3 points	Juices, dark chocolate, muesli, millet and corn grits, yoghurts and curds, hard cheeses.
4 points	Mayonnaise sauces, alcohol, dairy products 4% fat, baked goods, potatoes, canned food, sugar, bread, preserves, ice cream and desserts, pork, semolina, duck and goose.

The diet consists of 3 stages:

• First stage– preparatory. Lasts from 7 to 14 days. It is advisable to consume foods with 0 points. Carbohydrates are strictly limited; eating cereals, fruits and berries is prohibited. From fats – 1 tablespoon of butter before breakfast. Due to the decrease in blood sugar levels, this stage is often poorly tolerated and may cause weakness and general malaise. In this case, you can add honey to the water and proceed to the second stage.
• Second phase. Five meals a day. Saturation decreases from breakfast to dinner. Points are distributed as follows: breakfast - 4, lunch and dinner - 2, afternoon snack - 1 and dinner - 0. Serving volume - no more than 250 ml. The second stage is not limited by time; you should eat this way until the desired result is achieved, since it is safe for health and you can stick to it for a long time.
• Third stage– weight maintenance. It is designed as a type of nutrition and has no time frame. The scheme is similar to stage 2, but 1 point is added to each meal, with the exception of dinner. If the weight continues to fall, it is permissible to add another point; if the weight increases, a point should be subtracted.

The diet for hormonal imbalance in women should be based on foods with a low glycemic index. They do not cause sudden spikes in sugar and insulin release.

Unwanted Products– white bread, potatoes, sugar and desserts, fatty fish, sausage, pork, high-fat dairy products, canned food in oil, pasta and semolina, fruits, smoked meats, salt.

Sample menu for phase 2:

A hormonal diet for weight loss was developed by endocrinologists. By limiting the amount of food and reducing foods with a high glycemic index in the diet, a gradual but stable decrease in body weight occurs - 3-4 kilograms per month.

Disadvantages of the metabolic diet include bloating, which can sometimes occur due to the increased amount of fiber. At the initial stage, some women find it difficult to tolerate the diet due to a decrease in the amount of fast carbohydrates.

A weekly metabolic diet costs approximately 1300-1400 rubles.

Seleno-zinc diet

The selenium-zinc diet is more of a dietary recommendation that will help you lose weight and restore your health. Selenium and zinc are very useful for hormonal imbalances, and this diet will be an excellent addition to the main treatment of obesity and hormonal imbalances.

The diet plan corresponds to the basic principles of a healthy diet: eat little and often, avoid simple carbohydrates, salt, spices, fatty and fried foods, be sure to have breakfast and do not have a heavy meal for dinner, do not eat 3-4 hours before bedtime. Add foods rich in zinc and selenium to your diet.

Exclude: bakery products, sugar, honey, condensed milk, canned food and sausages.

In addition to your diet, work with your doctor to select a selenium-zinc vitamin complex.

Losing weight after pregnancy and childbirth

Every third woman who has experience having children knows what a hormonal imbalance after childbirth is, and notes that she has gained weight during pregnancy and/or during breastfeeding. Many women face this problem because pregnancy greatly affects hormonal levels, so the question “how to lose weight with hormonal imbalance after childbirth” does not lose relevance. The principle of losing weight remains the same as for hormonal obesity in general, but the process has its own nuances:

• losing weight after childbirth may take longer, as pregnancy changes hormonal levels and the body needs time to recover. On average it takes 6 months - a year;
• Breastfeeding also takes energy; approximately 500 kcal are spent on it per day. Caloric intake should be about 2000 kcal during this period;
• the diet should be especially rich in proteins and calcium, since the fetus developing in the womb takes calcium from the mother’s bones to build its skeleton, the same with breast milk;
• It is necessary to avoid heavy food, as it will be difficult for a weakened body to digest it. For the same reasons, it is recommended to eat in small portions;
• after the feeding period, reduce caloric intake to 1600-1800 kcal per day.

Pregnancy, childbirth and feeding are a huge stress for the body. Observation by an endocrinologist is recommended for a year so as not to harm yourself and your child, to optimally lose weight and not gain weight back.

Hormonal obesity in women is a common phenomenon that many people encounter. To lose weight after a hormonal imbalance, you need to add physical exercise to diets and drug treatment. A little exercise before breakfast and/or yoga in the evenings. The emphasis should be on cardio exercises and exercises aimed at burning hormonally active fat tissue. The complex can be compiled with a fitness instructor, according to the recommendations of the attending physician, or you can attend physical therapy classes (physical therapy) aimed at combating hormonal obesity.

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Just 100 years ago, humanity knew nothing about hormones, which means they completely ignored their impact on human health.

Nowadays, everything has changed dramatically. Today, every doctor, and even the average person, knows that hormones play a key role in the functioning of the body. The rate of metabolism, the formation of fat mass and appetite, and, of course, the process of losing weight or gaining body weight depend on the correct production of these biologically active substances. But how do hormones affect our weight? To understand this issue, you need to know exactly what a particular hormone is responsible for and how it affects weight change. We'll talk about this in this article.

1. The hormone leptin

Leptin is one of the most important hormones responsible for a person’s weight, and it is not for nothing that its name “leptos” translated from Greek sounds like “slim”. Leptin in the body is responsible for our appetite, and therefore for the feeling of fullness. It controls fat reserves in the body, and as soon as their levels drop, leptin levels also decrease, resulting in a signal to the brain that there is a deficiency. This is why we feel hungry at certain times.

Why else can leptin levels decrease? According to scientists, a decrease in the level of this hormone occurs due to chronic lack of sleep. Conducted studies confirm the fact that people who regularly sleep less than 6-7 hours a day suffer from excess body weight. Thus, in order to bring the hormone level back to normal, doctors recommend following a rest regime, devoting sleep to at least 8 hours a day.

Interestingly, there are a number of foods that promote the production of leptin in the body, thereby helping with weight loss. These primarily include low-fat foods - low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, low-fat lamb and meat, vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes. As practice shows, by consuming foods that increase the level of this hormone and exercising regularly, you can lose weight without even counting calories!

By the way, knowing the work of the mechanism that causes hunger, many can draw a specific conclusion - it is enough to just increase the level of the hormone leptin so that the problem of obesity no longer worries us. But it's not that simple. Studies show that overweight people have much higher levels of leptin than lean people. And this fact does not help them lose weight at all! According to doctors, this happens because overweight people lose sensitivity to this hormone over the years, and it begins to be produced in huge quantities. As soon as a person’s weight returns to normal, leptin levels also normalize.

2. The hormone estrogen

Estrogen is the main “female” hormone, and therefore affects many functions in the female body, ranging from the regulation of the menstrual cycle to the distribution of fat in the fair sex. It is “thanks to” estrogen that fat deposits in young women are localized in the thighs, and in women after menopause - in the abdominal area.

According to scientists, weight gain is associated with a deficiency of this biological substance. Moreover, interestingly, over the years the level of estrogen in the female body inevitably decreases. This process begins at about 35 years of age and significantly intensifies during menopause, when hormonal changes occur and the fair sex begins to experience a number of unpleasant symptoms associated with low estrogen production.

Why does obesity develop? The fact is that when estrogen levels decrease, the body begins to receive this hormone from fat cells, for which it tries to stock up on them for future use. In addition, as menopause approaches, a woman’s production of the “male” hormone testosterone decreases, which means muscle mass decreases. And since it is the muscles that are responsible for the fat burning process, the less muscle remains in the body, the more difficult it is for a woman to get rid of fat accumulation. This explains the rapid weight gain in women who have crossed the 40-year mark.

To activate the body to produce estrogen, the body first of all needs the mineral boron, which is found in soy and buckwheat, beans and lentils, beets, corn, barley and oats. In addition, some products contain a plant analogue of the hormone estrogen, which means that to maintain the level of this substance in the body, you need to consume carrots and peppers, beets and tomatoes, apples, pomegranates and plums more often. And a sharp decrease in this biologically active substance can occur against the background of prolonged stress, and therefore it is important to protect yourself from worries and worries that can nullify all your efforts to increase estrogen levels.

3. Hormone cortisol

The hormone cortisol, better known as the “stress hormone,” is a close “relative” of adrenaline, because they are produced by the same organ – the adrenal glands. This biological substance is part of our body's defense mechanism, actively produced in response to stressful situations. This is why in moments of great excitement or stress we want to eat so much. This body accumulates strength to withstand difficult life situations. In addition, due to cortisol, metabolic processes in the body slow down. In this way, the body tries to preserve energy reserves to combat stress.

A person cannot influence the production of the hormone cortisol through nutrition. However, we are still able to resist the active production of this substance. Any relaxing practices and methods of relaxation, such as yoga and meditation, will help in this regard. And also, knowing about the activity of the insidious hormone, a person must restrain himself and try not to “eat up” stress.

4. Hormone adrenaline
As noted above, the well-known hormone adrenaline is a “relative” of cortisol. This hormone also affects metabolic processes in the body, but in a slightly different way. The bottom line is that cortisol is produced in response to stress, while adrenaline is produced in response to strong emotional arousal. That is, when a person makes a parachute jump for the first time and experiences fear, his body produces cortisol, but an experienced skydiver who experiences emotional excitement with each jump produces adrenaline.

This hormone also acts somewhat differently than cortisol. In case of emotional excitement, when a large portion of adrenaline enters the blood, a person’s metabolism accelerates and the process of fat breakdown intensifies. A slight increase in body temperature in this case is precisely due to the accelerated burning of fat. In addition, the release of adrenaline drives away appetite, which also prevents weight gain. Finally, remember that increasing body weight reduces the body's ability to produce this important hormone.

5. Hormone insulin

It is known that insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for normalizing blood sugar levels. In response to food entering the body, the pancreas immediately releases a dose of insulin, which utilizes glucose for its further breakdown and conversion into energy. However, if we consume too much starch and sugar, the gland is forced to produce the hormone in excess. As a result, the penetration of glucose into cells slows down, and sugar turns into fat, which is deposited on the thighs and peritoneum.

Thus, in order not to burden the pancreas and not provoke the formation of adipose tissue, we need to review our diet and remove from it dishes that use refined sugar. These are all kinds of confectionery and other sweets, white bread, baked goods, sweet carbonated drinks and store-bought juices.

At the same time, we can improve pancreatic function by replenishing the body's reserves of vanadium, chromium and niacin (vitamin B3). To constantly replenish vanadium reserves, you should regularly add seafood to your diet, as well as mushrooms, parsley and spinach, grains and dairy products. Beef liver, pearl barley, beets and sea fish meat, in particular mackerel, capelin, tuna, salmon and flounder, are famous for their high chromium content. And to maintain normal niacin levels, you should regularly consume chicken eggs, mushrooms and peas, beans and barley. Finally, for normal insulin production, you can take dietary supplements containing the listed vitamins and minerals.

6. Thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones include the thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). They are responsible for many processes in the body, including regulating weight. And if the function of the thyroid gland is suppressed, this leads to a decrease in the production of these hormones, and, as a result, to weight gain. At the same time, the increased production of the hormones in question, although it leads to sudden weight loss, is accompanied by so many pathologies (including heart problems, bulging eyes, hand tremors) that calling this condition weight loss would be blasphemy.

Thus, it becomes clear that thyroid hormones must be produced strictly within normal limits. To achieve this, iodine must appear regularly in your diet, which we get from consuming iodized salt and vitamin-mineral complexes. In addition, iodine is contained in some food products, among which it is worth highlighting seaweed and feijoa, shrimp and squid, pink salmon, cod and haddock. It is especially useful to consume iodine together with selenium, which is abundant in rice, eggs and corn.

In addition, people with low thyroid function should avoid eating soy products and peanuts. And further. The functioning of the thyroid gland is negatively affected by stress, and therefore if you want to lose weight, you should learn ways to avoid stress and get rid of its consequences.

7. The hormone ghrelin

Ghrelin is another hormone that, similar to leptin, sends a signal to the brain about hunger. Only, unlike leptin, ghrelin is produced in the stomach, and its synthesis increases sharply when the stomach is empty. At the same time, in a full stomach, the production of this biological substance practically stops, which means that the person feels full and does not want to eat anymore. But there is one peculiarity. If the food you eat is high in refined sugar or fructose, ghrelin continues to be produced even after you've eaten a decent portion. As a result, a person overeats and, accordingly, begins to suffer from obesity.

We can draw a clear conclusion: to stop constantly overeating, you should remove foods that contain refined sugar (cakes, pastries, other confectionery products, baked goods, white bread) from your diet, and also reduce the consumption of sweet vegetables and fruits that are rich in glucose.

I would like to end the article with the following wish - if all your attempts to lose weight by dieting do not bring results, try getting tested and checking the level of the hormones described above. It is quite possible that you will only need to slightly adjust your diet to normalize the level of the desired hormone and feel the weight gradually begin to fall off.

I wish you beauty and a slim figure!

Hormones affect both a person’s weight and other important functions of the body. Metabolism and the associated process of losing or gaining weight depend on the amount of biologically active substances produced.

It is important to know how hormones affect weight and how the hormonal system differs between men and women.

Hormones are biologically active substances produced in various glands of the body and perform the main life support functions of all organs.

If the process of producing these substances fails, the norm is violated, this immediately affects the central nervous system and the person’s mood. Then problems with various organs begin, and accompanying psycho-emotional disorders appear.

What affects hormonal levels

Changes in the amount of hormones produced are caused by various factors of the body’s vital activity:

• restructuring of all processes in the body associated with age-related changes;
• the course of chronic diseases;
• mental and emotional state;
• influence of climatic conditions and ecology.

This is associated with a slowdown in the flow of certain processes in the body during the cold season. Changes in well-being are also associated with the restructuring of hormonal levels during the winter period. At warmer ambient temperatures, the hormonal system activates.

Hormones especially affect the body of women, this is largely due to the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, hormones also take on the main burden. They both affect weight and rearrange all vital functions - the body adjusts to bearing a baby.

How hormones affect weight gain and loss

Normally, hormonal levels directly depend on the amount of hormones produced throughout the body. The various glands responsible for their production make up the endocrine system.

Insulin

Insulin is produced in the pancreas and regulates the rate of glucose formation in the blood. Under its influence, excess glucose produced is converted into fat. In case of violations, the development of diabetes mellitus begins. This is due to increased or, conversely, insufficient functioning of the pancreas and interruptions in the supply of glucose to the body.

Disturbances in the functioning of this gland contribute to excess fat formation. When consuming high-carbohydrate foods, the pancreas is overloaded, and the active production of hormones leads to excess glucose production. The prevention of such diseases is facilitated by taking a properly selected complex of vitamins.

Somatotropin - growth hormone

This hormone has a particularly strong effect on the growth of bone tissue during the development of the entire organism. It is produced by the anterior part of the pituitary gland and is produced in greatest quantities at night. In adulthood, its production is reduced to a minimum.

By participating in the breakdown of lipids, somatotropin normalizes the amount of fat produced by the body, i.e. plays an important role in the process of losing weight. It also affects weight, muscle strengthening, energy and endurance. When the level of this hormone becomes below normal, a person begins to become overweight.

Melatonin

Melatonin is believed to be a sleep hormone and is produced by all living things. In humans, the endocrine system, in particular the pineal gland, is responsible for its production. The production of this hormone occurs exclusively at night in the phase corresponding to immersion in deep sleep.

It stimulates the immune system, is responsible for the functioning of the thyroid gland and the regulation of blood pressure.

Closer to old age, its level decreases, feelings of anxiety and restlessness may occur more often, and weight changes may begin.

Research has shown that melatonin helps with weight loss.

Produced during sleep, it provokes the appearance of a special type of fat in the body, which helps burn calories. So this is one of those cases that reflects how hormones have a positive effect on weight.

Testosterone

Testosterone is not only a male hormone, but also a female one.

How the hormone testosterone affects weight

It is produced by women's ovaries, and after menopause its level decreases by half. If a person’s level of this hormone exceeds the permissible norm, this contributes to gradual weight gain.

Progesterone

This type of hormone is one of those produced by both men and women. It is responsible for the stable functioning of the reproductive system. Produced in the testes and ovaries. Progesterone directly affects the development of the child in the womb and helps carry the child throughout pregnancy. It can indirectly influence weight gain.

This happens if its level decreases, which contributes to the formation of edema and weight gain.

In a normally produced amount, progesterone regulates fluid in the body, helping to remove excess fluid, thereby preventing the appearance of edema.

Estrogen

This hormone is produced in the ovaries. Among its main functions is control over the process of menstruation and lipid metabolism. As a rule, this kind of deposits in women up to 40 years of age are distributed in the upper legs and thighs, and after 50 years of age they move to the lower abdomen. In this case, weight gain is associated with insufficient estrogen.

A decrease in its level usually occurs after 45 years, and the body receives it from fat cells, which become more and more numerous. At the same time, testosterone production decreases, which contributes to a decrease in muscle mass. Muscles in the body regulate the process of burning fat, so all this leads to an increase in the amount of fat in the body.

These hormones both affect a woman’s weight and her emotional state. A decrease in the level of these hormones occurs during stressful situations. Increased muscle mass can be maintained and increased by performing certain physical exercises.

Thyroid hormones:

TSH thyroid stimulating hormone

This hormone is responsible for regulating the metabolic process in the body, the functioning of all organs and systems and allows for harmonious development, evenly distributing all body functions across systems. In addition, it regulates the amount of iodine absorbed by cells and the level of blood flow to the thyroid gland.

TSH accelerates the production of other hormones, thereby regulating their interaction. A lack of levels of this hormone in the blood leads to changes in metabolism. A decrease in metabolic rate leads to excess weight gain. When hormone therapy is prescribed, sudden weight loss begins.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

The main functions of this type of hormone is to accelerate metabolism. Thus, it allows proteins, carbohydrates and fats to break down into amino and fatty acids. This process releases acid, which is responsible for the proper functioning of all organs and systems of the body.

T3 is responsible for activating the production of vitamin A, which directly affects the metabolic rate and slows down the formation of fat deposits, while simultaneously strengthening the body’s skeletal system.

This hormone influences weight gain and loss. It accelerates both lipid metabolism, reducing cholesterol levels, and slows down the aging of the body. If the TSH level is low, it can, on the contrary, contribute to weight gain.

Thyroxine (T4)

This hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, is responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins in the body's cells. It also directly affects the metabolic rate. A drug based on it is prescribed not only for the treatment of diseases of the endocrine system, but also for weight correction.

The introduction of this hormone leads to a sharp weight loss. To correct weight to normal, doctors often prescribe other drugs containing T3.

Cortisol – stress hormone

This type of hormone is produced in the adrenal glands and affects all processes associated with metabolism. The amount of deposited adipose tissue depends on it. It also helps maintain normal blood pressure. Cortisol helps cope with stressful situations, but it also helps burn muscle mass.

In middle age, the level of production of this hormone decreases along with a decrease in muscle mass. This is what is associated with the onset of weight gain. Weight gain also occurs when cortisol levels exceed normal levels.

Endorphins

Endorphins produced by pituitary gland cells are responsible for the fact that a person experiences emotions such as joy, pleasure and happiness. At the same time, sleep and general condition improve, he feels satisfied and more confident.

When a person eats, endorphins are also produced at this time. If you tend to eat a lot of food, food becomes a way to improve your mood. But it also leads to weight gain.

Ghrelin

This type of hormone is responsible for the feeling of hunger. In overweight people, its blood levels are usually lower than normal. However, in people with anorexia, its level, on the contrary, exceeds normal levels.

It performs a protective function for the body, reminding you that to maintain health you need to eat and stock up on enough energy. When you are on a diet, its level is quite high, this is due to the need to often send signals that you need to replenish your calorie reserves.

Leptin

Responsible for saturation. This hormone is responsible for regulating energy metabolism and sending signals about the feeling of satiety. According to research results, with insufficient sleep, the production of ghrelin decreases and a person begins to experience more frequent feelings of hunger. This leads to eating more and gaining weight.

Adrenal hormones:

Adrenalin

It is produced in situations of intense emotional experience, with fear and a sense of possible danger. At the same time, it triggers metabolic processes, as a result of which lipids are broken down.

Body temperature rises, causing energy reserves to burn. An increase in adrenaline levels leads to a decrease in appetite. But when you gain weight, its level drops below normal.

DHEA

This type of hormone helps increase energy and achieve a feeling of satisfaction. It improves the memorization process and helps develop thinking.

In addition, it helps normalize sleep and maintain normal weight. With an increase in its quantity, it promotes increased appetite and the deposition of fat in the abdomen and sides, causing causeless irritability.

What hormones affect a woman’s weight: table

View	How and what the hormone is responsible for
Testosterone	Appearance, maintaining normal weight
Progesterone	Effect on reproductive function
DHEA
T3, T4, TSH	Work of all major organs, inhibition of metabolism
Estrogen	Metabolic processes, memory
Cortisol	Fat energy reserve
Insulin	Mass to fat ratio

What hormones affect a man’s weight: table

View	What is he responsible for?
Insulin	Mass to fat ratio, fat stores
TSH, T3, T4	Regulation of all organs and systems, inhibition of metabolism
Cortisol	Fat energy reserve
Testosterone	Weight maintenance
DHEA	Attraction to the opposite sex
Progesterone	Reproductive function

Excess weight from hormones: signs

Hormonal changes that affect both weight and the general condition of the body are accompanied by:

• severe fatigue without any activity;
• increased causeless anxiety;
• increased brittleness of nails;
• an increase in the amount of hair falling out;
• sudden changes in mood;
• strong thirst;
• tendency to constipation;
• high blood pressure.

What hormones need to be checked if you are overweight - tests for weight gain

If you are overweight, you must pass:

• biochemistry;
• thyroid hormones;
• blood for sugar;
• cortisol;
• testosterone;
• hormones produced by the pituitary gland.

Why do hormones cause weight gain?

Among the main causes of weight gain is hormonal imbalance.

At the same time, even with proper nutrition and dieting, it is not possible to lose weight. There is a direct effect of hormones on weight. Often, to normalize weight, it is necessary to put the body’s endocrine system in order.

How to avoid gaining excess weight while taking hormones

When taking hormonal drugs, the reasons for weight gain may be:

• Retention of fluid in the cells of the body, the visible result of which is the appearance of edema. In this case, weight gain can be prevented by taking medications with a diuretic effect.
• Increased appetite with low activity. It is recommended to follow an additional diet and maintain an active lifestyle.
• Endocrine disorders associated with decreased thyroid function. In this case, it is necessary to donate blood for certain types of hormones and select suitable drugs for weight loss.

How to lose weight after hormone treatment

People who have been treated with hormonal drugs know how difficult it is to lose weight, the gain of which is provoked by hormones. How these substances affect weight has been clarified. And to normalize weight, you need to:

• control emotional state;
• get rid of toxins;
• normalize sleep;
• take a massage course;
• keep active;
• control the amount of food consumed.

How to lose weight for a man

• Eating a low-carbohydrate, normal-fat diet.
• Physical activity.
• Building muscle mass.
• Selection of the right diet under the supervision of an endocrinologist.
• Compliance with diet.

How to lose weight as a woman

• Maintaining an active lifestyle.
• Control over the amount of food consumed.
• Reducing the amount of carbohydrates consumed.
• Choosing a suitable diet.
• 8 hours sleep.

How to gain weight

In addition to the common problem of excess weight, there is another one - underweight. To gain weight you need:

• consumption of high-calorie foods;
• decreased activity;
• late dinner;
• increasing the number of meals.

Which pills containing hormones affect weight gain?

Weight gain occurs as a side effect of taking hormonal medications aimed at:

• stimulation of hormonal levels;
• normalization of the reproductive system;
• normalization of metabolism;
• treatment of acute forms of joint disease;
• prevention and treatment of allergic manifestations;
• normalization of emotional state.

Having understood how hormones affect weight and the functioning of all major organs and systems of the body, it is important to maintain normal hormonal levels in order to be healthy and feel good.

Videos about human hormones

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