Is it true that hormones affect weight loss? This question is often asked by many people as they get older and find it harder to lose unwanted pounds.
The answer is yes, but hormones are only part of the weight-loss equation. For people to lose weight or keep weight off as they age, it's important to understand what role hormones play. Understanding this can also help in finding the most effective weight-loss method.
What Role Do Hormones Play In Weight Loss?
Hormones and weight loss: how does one influence the other? Hormones control metabolism, which impacts the amount of weight a person gains or loses. So, fat burning is influenced by hormones.
Blood sugar control and insulin also influence whether a person gains or loses weight. These factors also alter metabolism.
There are certain hormones that specifically affect weight control. These hormones influence a person's appetite and metabolism:
- Leptin- affects satiety and hunger
- Insulin - affects energy stores
- Cortisol - stress causes fat storage
- Thyroid hormones - keep metabolism working
- Ghrelin- regulates hunger
- Estrogen - affects fat stores
- Testosterone- affects fat burning
Keeping these hormones in harmony helps regulate your weight.
How To Keep Hormones In Balance
No matter what age you are, you can take steps to keep your hormones in balance. This helps to control weight or helps with weight loss if you've put on some extra pounds. The following can all help to balance your hormones:
- Regular exercise
- Eating healthy fats
- Eating fatty fish
- Having protein with every meal
- Avoiding sugar
- Avoiding refined carbohydrates
- Managing stress
- Eating regular meals to avoid over/under eating
Getting enough sleep is also important. Studies show that sleep impacts certain hormones, like leptin, that can increase your appetite. Learn about inflammatory foods and try to avoid them as much as possible.
What About Portion Control?
What you eat is as critical as how you eat. Portion control training can help in weight loss and control.
The following steps help with good portion control:
- Use a smaller plate
- Watch carbs
- Use measuring cups or scales
- Don't eat seconds
- Check food labels for serving sizes
It takes your body about 20 minutes to let your brain know you are full. So, after eating, wait, and you may find you're not hungry anymore. Also, drink water when you have a hunger pang. Sometimes you're just thirsty.
The bad news is that aging affects hormones and weight loss. The good news is that you can take steps to help regulate hormones and maintain a healthy weight. You can click here to learn more about hormones and weight loss.
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