Feel like you’re doing everything right but still not losing weight? Your hormones could be the reason why.
Hormones control metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, and when they’re out of balance, losing weight can be frustrating. Many people even struggle with hormonal weight gain without realising it. Let’s explore how hormones affect weight loss, what causes imbalances, and what you can do to take control.
How Hormones Affect Weight Loss
Your body produces several hormones that influence hunger, metabolism, and fat storage. When these hormones are balanced, your body can regulate weight effectively.
However, stress, diet, and medical conditions can cause imbalances, making it harder to lose weight.
Leptin and ghrelin are two key hormones that control hunger. Leptin signals when you’re full, while ghrelin stimulates hunger.
A study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology found that people who are overweight often have leptin resistance, meaning their body doesn’t recognise when they’ve had enough to eat. This can lead to overeating and difficulty losing weight.
Insulin is another hormone that plays a major role in weight management. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, but when insulin levels are too high—often due to a diet high in processed foods and sugars—your body stores more fat.
Research in Gene Expression has shown that insulin resistance can lead to weight gain and make fat loss more difficult.
Hormonal Imbalances That Make Weight Loss Difficult
Thyroid Issues:
The thyroid controls metabolism. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows metabolism and makes weight loss harder. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that even mild thyroid dysfunction impacts weight.
Cortisol (Stress Hormone):
Chronic stress raises cortisol, which triggers fat storage around the belly and increases cravings for sugary foods.
Insulin Resistance:
People with pre-diabetes or PCOS often struggle with weight loss because their body holds onto stored fat instead of burning it.
How to Balance Your Hormones for Weight Loss
Getting your hormones in check can boost your metabolism and improve weight loss results. Here’s how to start:
Prioritise Sleep:
Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones and increases cravings
Eat Protein & Fibre:
Protein reduces ghrelin (the hunger hormone), while fibre slows digestion, keeping you full longer.
Strength Training & Cardio:
Exercise helps regulate insulin, cortisol, and testosterone levels while burning fat.
Manage Stress:
Activities like yoga, meditation, or walking lower cortisol levels, reducing belly fat storage.
Medical Support:
If you suspect a hormone imbalance, getting expert guidance can make all the difference.
Take Control of Your Hormones & Lose Weight for Good
If diet and exercise alone haven’t worked, your hormones may be the missing piece. At My Weight Loss Clinic, we provide personalised weight loss programs that consider hormonal imbalances, helping you achieve real, lasting results.
Book a consultation today and get a plan that works with your hormones, not against them!
Further Reading – References
Biondi, B. (2010). Thyroid and Obesity: An Intriguing Relationship. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 95(8), 3614–3617. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-1245
Gómez, W. A., Humeres, G., Orozco-Castaño, C. A., Cannataro, R., Muñoz-Contreras, A. M., Gómez-Miranda, L. M., Petro, J. L., & Bonilla, D. A. (2024). Leptin Signaling and Its Relationship with Obesity-induced Insulin Resistance: A Bioinformatics-assisted Review. Gene Expression, 000(000). https://doi.org/10.14218/ge.2024.00039
Obradovic, M., Sudar-Milovanovic, E., Soskic, S., Essack, M., Arya, S., Stewart, A. J., Gojobori, T., & Isenovic, E. R. (2021). Leptin and Obesity: Role and Clinical Implication. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12(12). https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.585887
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