How Hormones Impact Weight Loss
Understanding the hormonal factors that influence your weight and what you can do about them.
Weight loss isn't just about willpower—hormones play a significant role in hunger, metabolism, and fat storage. Understanding these hormonal factors can help you succeed on your THINNR weight loss journey.
Key Hormones That Affect Weight
Insulin
Produced by the pancreas, insulin regulates blood sugar and promotes fat storage. High insulin levels (often from processed foods and excess sugar) make it harder to lose fat.
Leptin
Produced by fat cells, leptin signals fullness to your brain. In obesity, the brain can become resistant to leptin's signals, leading to overeating.
Ghrelin
The "hunger hormone" produced in the stomach. Ghrelin increases before meals and decreases after eating. Poor sleep and dieting can increase ghrelin.
Cortisol
The stress hormone. Chronic elevated cortisol promotes fat storage, especially around the midsection. See our post on stress and weight.
Thyroid Hormones
T3 and T4 regulate metabolic rate. An underactive thyroid can make weight loss very difficult.
Supporting Hormonal Balance
While you can't completely control your hormones, certain lifestyle factors help:
- Prioritize sleep: Sleep deprivation disrupts nearly every hormone related to weight.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated.
- Eat adequate protein: Protein helps with satiety hormones and blood sugar regulation.
- Limit processed foods: These can disrupt insulin and leptin signaling.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and stress hormones.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you're doing everything right but still struggling, it may be worth investigating hormonal issues with a healthcare provider. Conditions like hypothyroidism, PCOS, and insulin resistance can significantly impact weight.
THINNR and Hormonal Support
The THINNR Protocol is designed to support healthy appetite signaling and metabolic function. Working with a THINNR provider ensures any underlying hormonal issues are identified and addressed.
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