9 Hormones that affect weight and how to improve them –

Hormones are chemical messengers that perform various functions and processes in the body. Often when these hormones get imbalanced, a person tends to put on weight or get some health issues. Hormones must be maintained in good health.

Here are 9 hormones that affect weight and how to improve them –

• Leptin – Leptin regulates the appetite and sends the signal of satiety. Leptin gets imbalanced in obese people and this leads to overeating. Though the production of Leptin may be high, the body of an obese person may experience leptin resistance. This may be due to increased fat levels, and inflammation. Regular exercise along with sound sleep and healthy diet help in regulating leptin and losing weight.
• Ghrelin – Ghrelin is a hunger hormone that sends hunger signals to the hypothalamus. Ghrelin levels increase before meals and reduce after a meal. People with obesity are sensitive toward ghrelin and hence end up eating more. Also poor quality of sleep leads to increased ghrelin and overeating. To overcome ghrelin sensitivity, one should include frequent small meals and ensure sound sleep.
• Thyroid – Thyroid gland function includes the production of 3 hormones – T3, T4, and Calcitonin. They help in regulating metabolism, sleep, growth, and brain development. When there is not sufficient production of these hormones, it leads to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism leads to weight gain and slowed metabolism.
• Insulin – Pancreas produce insulin hormone. Insulin helps carry glucose to use as energy or store as energy. Due to overconsumption of glucose through an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, insulin sensitivity develops and effective utilization of insulin is reduced leading to Diabetes Type 2.
• Estrogen – Estrogen is a sex hormone that regulates the female reproductive system. Levels of estrogen hormones in women changes during different lifecycles like pregnancy, lactation, and menopause. High level of estrogen leads to obesity and low levels lead to central obesity, high blood pressure, and heart conditions.
• Cortisol – Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland. Excessive stress, no sound sleep, and a high intake of an unhealthy diet lead the body to release excess cortisol. High cortisol levels lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and heart-related disorders.
• Growth Hormone – Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. Growth hormone helps in building bones and muscles and regulating metabolism. Decreased growth hormone leads to increased body fat and reduced lean muscle mass. This may also further lead to insulin resistance.
• Cholecystokinin – Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a satiety hormone produced in the gut, which signals the fullness post-meal. Their role also includes the production of energy, protein synthesis, digestion, and other body function. An obese person has reduced sensitivity towards CCK which leads to overeating.
• Melatonin – Melatonin is a hormone that helps in regulating the sleep cycle along with the circadian rhythm. When your circadian rhythm is disturbed or the room is not dark enough, your body goes through stress, which leads to inflammation-induced weight gain. Sound sleep during circadian rhythm is essential.

Over To You – Healthy diet which is high in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, a healthy lifestyle, sound sleep, and regular workout can help in keeping these hormones healthy and balanced.