Losing weight requires significant commitment and consistency. While the literature on weight loss has been consistent for years, more information is coming to light. According to most scientists, dieticians, and fitness coaches, the central aspect of weight loss is managing your calories. Specifically, it’s about using more of them than you are taking in. This simple strategy has proven effective for many people, but why is it not working for you?

For some people, weight gain comes along with aging; for others, it comes out of nowhere. In such cases, the calorie theory may not work as well as it does for others. The new information that has come to light is that hormones and metabolism play a much more significant role. These two significantly affect weight in both men and women. 

How Do Hormones Affect the Body?

They are responsible for maintaining energy levels, mood, appetite, and metabolism. When they are out of balance, all these functions are affected in one way or another. Weight gain is often one of the many results of hormonal imbalances. Hormones affect weight in the following ways:

Slow Metabolism

You need to burn your food into energy for your body to use efficiently. Metabolism is the process through which this happens. Hormonal imbalances can slow your metabolism, leading to weight gain.

Increased Appetite

Poor hormonal imbalances can lead to increased appetite. Combined with a slow metabolism, these two are prime recipes for weight gain. You will tend to feel hungry more often than expected.

Fatigue

Another expected outcome of hormonal imbalances is fatigue. It occurs when you have hormonal imbalances, making it harder to maintain an active lifestyle.

Poor Sleeping Habits

Imbalances also lead to poor sleeping habits. You may feel restless at night when you sleep, adding to the fatigue. 

What Hormones Affect Weight?

Cortisol

This hormone regulates your fight-or-flight instinct. Commonly known as your stress hormone, it regulates your blood pressure and increases your blood sugar. It also helps your body manage proteins, carbs, and fats. Cortisol imbalance can lead to weight gain.

Thyroid

It is the primary regulator of metabolism in your body. Often, unexplained and sudden weight change is associated with thyroid hormone imbalance. High levels of thyroid hormone can cause weight gain.

Estrogen and Progesterone

The imbalance of these two essential hormones usually leads to water retention and weight gain. When estrogen is higher, it leads to weight gain and slow metabolism. Called estrogen dominance, the condition is common in women after ovulation and sometimes in menopause.

Testosterone

Testosterone levels affect weight because it influences metabolism and muscle mass. Low testosterone means a slower metabolism and, often, weight gain. 

Bioidentical Hormones and Weight Loss

Bioidentical hormones are created from plant sources, making them identical to those in your body. Depending on which hormones are imbalanced in your body, bioidentical hormones will usually help restore balance safely. You can now take steps to lose weight with more success. Bioidentical hormones like testosterone have been proven to help build muscle mass and increase metabolism. 

For more on whether bioidentical hormones can help you lose weight, visit Full Life at our office in Nashville, Tennessee. Call (615) 805-5600 to book an appointment today.