9 Hormones That Cause Weight Gain And How You Can Prevent It
Jun 06, 2018
Gaining weight is too easy, while losing it is incredibly hard. Overeating, not exercising, aging, genetics, and stress are all factors that can cause our bodies to store excess fat. However, hormone imbalances can also be the blame but are often overlooked. Here are 9 hormones that cause weight gain and how to beat it.
1. Thyroid Hormones
Our thyroids are tiny glands in our necks, but they definitely play a big role in the body. T3, T4, and calcitonin are 3 hormones that our thyroids produce that influence our metabolism. When the thyroid isn't functioning properly, conditions like hypothyroidism can occur. One of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism is weight gain.
How To Prevent This:
- Ensure you're getting enough vitamin D
- Avoid raw produce and undercooked meats
- Eat iodized salt
- Eat oysters, pumpkin seeds, and other foods rich in zinc
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2. Insulin
You don't have to be a diabetic to have problems with insulin. Insulin is crucial in the digestion process because it turns sugars into energy. Anyone can develop an insulin resistance by eating too many processed foods or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. When your blood sugars get out of control, your body responds by storing more fat.
How To Prevent This:
- Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks
- Eat your fruits and veggies
- Aim to exercise at least 20 minutes a day
3. Cortisol
Whenever you feel anxious or upset, blame cortisol for those crummy feelings. Cortisol's purpose is to prevent damage to your body during times of stress, but when you're in a constant state of stress, cortisol becomes detrimental because it turns our bodies into fat storing machines.
How To Prevent This:
- Make sleep a priority
- Eat mindfully
- Meditate and practice yoga
- Do activities that bring you joy
4. Testosterone
Testosterone isn't just for men! Women need testosterone to exercise and have a libido. Stress can reduce testosterone levels which can ultimately lead to weight gain.
How To Prevent This:
- Exercise at least 20 minutes daily
- Avoid alcohol
- Eat the daily recommended amount of fiber
- Take protein supplements if needed
5. Progesterone
Women need a healthy balance of progesterone and estrogen, or else they can experience depression and weight gain. Birth control and menopause are some factors that can unbalance this hormone.
How To Prevent This:
- Exercise at least 20 minutes daily
- Meditate
- Eat mindfully
6. Estrogen
Too much of this female sex hormone can make women's bodies resistant to insulin, which leads to weight gain. Also, having too little estrogen caused by menopause is not a good thing for the scale.
How To Prevent This:
- Exercise at least 20 minutes daily
- Meditate
- Eat mindfully
7. Leptin
Leptin is a great hormone that tells our bodies when to stop eating. However, a diet full of too much sugar can make our bodies desensitized to leptin, meaning we no longer get a satiated feeling and continue eating.
How To Prevent This
- Avoid processed, sugary foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Get enough sleep
8. Grehlin
Grehlin is the hormone that gives your stomach the grumbles since it is also known as the hunger hormone. People who diet or fast excessively have too much grehlin which can turn food reserves into fat.
How To Prevent This:
- Make sure you're not consuming too few or too many calories
- Eat mindfully
- Drink a glass of water 20 minutes before each meal
9. Melatonin
Melatonin is responsible for transitioning us between sleep and being awake. Not getting enough sleep can really throw our hormones out of whack.
How To Prevent This:
- Avoid eating or drinking an hour before sleep
- Get enough sleep
- Sleep in a dark and cool room with no lights
Make sure you help your friends avoid weight gain caused by hormone imbalances by spreading this news!
Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!