Hormones are like body messengers. They can make you gain weight. For men, high stress or cortisol levels can cause weight gain. It makes the body produce fat and slows down metabolism. Women, on the other hand, have a hormone called estradiol that decreases during menopause, which can lead to weight gain, especially around the hips and thighs.
Various hormonal issues can lead to sudden, unexplained weight gain, such as thyroid problems, declining oestrogen (common during menopause), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This weight gain often comes with other symptoms like headaches, insomnia, mood swings, and heavy periods.
Hormones Affecting Weight
Hormones like leptin, insulin, oestrogens, and androgens influence our appetite, metabolism, and where our body stores fat.
The endocrine system, a group of glands, secretes these hormones. When there’s too much or too little of these hormones can lead to weight gain.
Leptin and Weight Loss: – Leptin, a hormone from fat cells, reduces appetite. Obese people have more leptin but are less sensitive to its effects, so they still feel hungry after eating.
Insulin and Its Role: – Insulin, made by the pancreas, helps regulate carbohydrates and fat metabolism. In obesity, tissues may lose their ability to control glucose levels, which can lead to type II diabetes.
Sex Hormones and Body Fat: – Oestrogens and androgens help determine where your body stores fat. Their levels change as you age, affecting fat distribution.
Growth Hormone and Metabolism: -The pituitary gland makes growth hormone, influencing height, muscle, bone, and metabolism. Obese people often have lower growth hormone levels.
Obesity and Hormones: – Obesity can lead to hormone imbalances that encourage more weight gain. Overeating and lack of exercise can ‘reset’ your body to gain weight. Long-term changes like healthy eating and exercise can reverse this trend.
Diagnosing Hormonal Weight Gain
Consulting an endocrinologist can help identify hormonal causes of weight gain. Blood and urine tests, along with your symptoms, provide valuable insights.
Risks of Hormonal Weight Gain
Untreated hormonal weight gain poses various risks:
- Type 2 Diabetes: Higher risk of elevated blood sugar.
- Infertility: Hormonal imbalances can affect fertility.
- Mood Disturbances: Mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
- Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure.
- High Cholesterol: Elevated “bad” cholesterol.
- Heart Disease and Stroke: Increased risks.
- Sleep Apnea: Breathing problems during sleep.
- Asthma: Aggravated symptoms.
- Cancer: Higher risk of certain cancers.
- Reduced Lifespan: Shortened life expectancy.
Conclusion
Hormonal weight gain can be treated if the root cause is addressed with an endocrinologist’s guidance.
It can lead to various other health issues, increasing the risk of sickness and early death. A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, good sleep, and stress management can help manage and reverse hormonal weight gain, reducing associated health risks. Early intervention is essential for a healthier, longer life.
