Hormone Optimization

Hormonal imbalances can contribute to weight gain and difficulty in losing weight. Hormone optimization involves assessing and balancing hormone levels to support weight management.

• Key hormones : Thyroid hormones, insulin, leptin, and cortisol.
• Benefits : Improved metabolism, reduced cravings, and enhanced weight loss efforts.

Hormone Optimization for Weight Management :

Hormone optimization is a key component of effective weight management. By balancing hormone levels, individuals can improve their metabolism, reduce cravings, and enhance weight loss efforts.
Key Hormones Influencing Weight

• Insulin : Regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance can lead to weight gain
• Leptin : Known as the “satiety hormone,” it signals fullness to the brain
• Ghrelin : The “hunger hormone,” stimulates appetite
• Cortisol : The “stress hormone,” can contribute to weight gain when elevated
• Sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) : Influence fat distribution and metabolism

What causes obesity?

On the most basic level, obesity happens when you consume more calories than your body can use. Many things may play a role in why you may eat more food than your body needs:

• Certain medications: Medications you take to treat other conditions may contribute to weight gain. Examples are antidepressants, steroids, anti-seizure medications, diabetes medications and beta-blockers.
• Disability: Adults and children with physical and learning disabilities are most at risk for obesity. Physical limitations and lack of adequate specialized education and resources can contribute.
• Eating habits: Consuming more calories than your body needs, eating ultra-processed food, high-sugar foods and drinks, and foods with high amounts of saturated fat may cause overweight.

• Genetics: Research shows people with obesity carry specific genes (obesity-susceptibility genes) that affect appetite. It’s not clear if people with overweight have the same genetic makeup.
• Lack of physical activity: High amounts of screen time — like watching TV, playing video games or spending time on your mobile phone or laptop — cut into the time you have for physical activity.
• Lack of sleep: Missing out on at least seven hours of sleep can affect the hormones that keep hunger urges under control.
• Stress: Your brain and body react to stress by making more hormones like cortisol that manage hunger. When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to eat high-fat, high-sugar food (comfort food) that your body stores as extra fat.
• Underlying health issues: Diseases like metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome can cause side effects like weight gain. Mental health issues like anxiety and depression can lead to eating high-calorie foods that activate the pleasure centers in your brain.