Enter ‘hormonal belly,’ which refers to excess weight around the abdomen due to hormonal changes. Although ‘hormonal belly’ is not a medical term (despite what social media says!), doctors say it’s entirely possible to gain weight in your stomach due to hormonal imbalances. If you have the same diet and exercise habits you’ve had your whole life and suddenly start gaining weight, it may be due to a hormonal change in your body. However, in anyone, it could also be due to a thyroid or pituitary gland problem, or a leptin or insulin imbalance.
Stress creates hormonal responses that cause weight gain and insulin resistance. Cortisol is an adrenal hormone that helps you to run faster, see further, hear better and pump fuel into your bloodstream for quick energy. It is the hormone that helps us survive in the face of true danger.
It’s important for energy production, protein synthesis, digestion, and other bodily functions. It also increases the release of the fullness hormone leptin. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced in your gut when nutrients enter your intestines. It plays a major role in keeping blood sugar levels stable and making you feel full. During times of stress, this hormone triggers an increase in heart rate and energy levels. The release of cortisol ‘ alongside the hormone adrenaline ‘ is commonly called the ‘fight or flight’ response.
Keep in mind that if your metabolism is broken, your hormones are misfiring, and insulin is the most likely to be a problem. Similarly, the Dietary Guidelines recommend around 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of dairy per day, while the Hormone Reset Diet eliminates these foods. On the Hormone Reset Diet, you are restricted to 99 grams of carbohydrates or less per day; the USDA recommends at least 130 grams of carbohydrates per day.
Environmental toxins thrive on pesticides called xenoestrogens, because even at lose doses, they act like estrogen in your body. PYY levels may be lower in people with obesity, and this may lead to a greater appetite and overeating. Sufficient levels are believed to play a major role in reducing food intake and decreasing the risk of obesity.
If you’re struggling to lose weight despite dieting and exercising, it may be time to take a closer look at your hormones. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, so imbalances can make it difficult to shed those extra pounds.
Apart from that, this diet promotes a holistic perspective on health. It not only focuses on your food intake, but it also emphasizes other healthy habits such as regular exercise and stress management. There are many other ways in which diet can affect the hormones that influence weight gain. For example, diets high in added sugar ‘ particularly sugar-sweetened beverages ‘ have been linked to insulin resistance and elevated leptin levels (38, 39, 40, 41).
One reason weight loss can be difficult is that restricting calories often leads to increased ghrelin levels, leaving you hungry. Additionally, metabolism tends to slow down and leptin levels decrease. We also recognize that not all transgender and nonbinary people use hormones as part of their care. There isn’t direct scientific evidence linking the Hormone Diet to weight loss or that shows it can even have an impact on your hormones.
Identifying Hormone Imbalances
One of the first steps in resetting your hormones for weight loss is identifying any imbalances. Common hormonal imbalances that can hinder weight loss include insulin resistance, cortisol imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, and leptin resistance. Consult with a healthcare provider to get a comprehensive hormone panel done to pinpoint any issues.
Resetting Your Hormones Naturally
Once you’ve identified any hormone imbalances, you can start taking steps to reset them naturally. One effective way to do this is through lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, managing stress levels, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods. These simple changes can help regulate your hormones and promote weight loss.
Additionally, certain supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, magnesium, and probiotics can also support hormone balance and aid in weight loss. Incorporating these into your daily routine can help reset your hormones and jumpstart your weight loss journey.
Seeking Professional Help
If you’re still struggling to lose weight despite making lifestyle changes, consider seeking professional help. A healthcare provider or a nutritionist specializing in hormonal health can provide personalized recommendations and guidance to help you reset your hormones and reach your weight loss goals.
Resetting your hormones to lose weight is not a quick fix, but with patience, dedication, and the right support, you can successfully rebalance your hormones and achieve sustainable weight loss.
