9 Hormones That Cause Weight Gain and How To Stabilize Them

Weight loss is a struggle that many of us can relate to. We’ve all tried different ways to lose weight ranging from all the new dietary fads to outlandish exercise routines. But the secret to managing your weight is actually much simpler. This blog covers proven ways to stabilize the hormones that cause weight gain.

While diet, exercise and lifestyle play major roles in your weight loss and gain, much of it is also controlled by your hormones. They control your appetite and determine the level of fat to be retained by the body. By controlling these hormones, you can also control your weight.

Check out which hormones cause weight gain and proven ways to fix them:

1. Insulin

Produced by the beta cells found in the pancreas, Insulin hormones play a major role in determining the amount of fat that is to be retained and the amount burned for energy. Stable levels of insulin need to be maintained because an increase, as well as a decrease, can trigger different health problems.

The amount of insulin produced by your body can be kept at an optimum level by consuming less sugar and sticking to a diet that requires increased amounts of protein and a decrease in the amount of carbohydrates. Along with a healthy diet, regular exercise is also necessary. Switch out sugary and carbonated drinks for green tea and you’ll feel a lot better.

2. Leptin

Leptin comes from the fat cells in your body. Its purpose is to communicate with your brain when your appetite is sated. If this message cannot be carried across, you’ll keep feeling hungry even after eating because your brain won’t understand that you are full and re-energized.

Along with a strict workout schedule, include anti-inflammatory foods in your everyday diet. Go to bed at an early hour and ensure that you get at least seven hours of sleep a day. If you don’t get proper rest, your body will not be able to produce the required amounts of Leptin.

3. Ghrelin

The opposite of Leptin, your stomach releases Ghrelin when you need to eat. This is why it is also referred to as the ‘hunger hormone’. The level of Ghrelin in your body decreases every time you eat. If this doesn’t happen you won’t be able to tell when you’ve had enough. So, you eat more and that can cause weight gain. The first thing you need to do to ensure that your Ghrelin levels are stable is stop consuming carbonated drinks that are full of sugar. Stick to a healthy diet that majorly consists of proteins rather than carbs.

4. Cortisol

One of the popular hormones that cause weight gain. Nicknamed the ‘stress hormone’; your adrenal glands produce Cortisol in stressful situations. If you’re frequently under stress, the amount of Cortisol in your body will increase and you’ll tend to eat more and consequently, you’ll see weight gain. Research has proven that people who tend to put on weight around their midsection produce higher than average amounts of Cortisol when they are stressed.

A balanced diet with a decent amount of carbohydrates is necessary for weight loss. Practising yoga, meditating, or taking up any other activity that helps you feel calmer can also help decrease your Cortisol levels.

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5. Estrogen

A very important hormone for women, Estrogen controls the emergence of female secondary sexual traits. Estrogen hormones regulate menstruation and reproduction. If the amount of Estrogen in your body decreases, you will notice weight gain and face other hormonal issues. It can lead to the body not making effective use of starches and blood sugar which will result in more fat being retained.

Controlling Estrogen levels is especially important for women during pregnancy. Ensure that your diet has plenty of fibrous foods and work out on a regular basis.

6. Neuropeptide Y (NPY)

Produced by brain cells and the nervous system, NPY also contribute to your feelings of hunger. Moreover, they make you crave foods that are high in carbohydrates and fat. When you are in a stressful situation, your body will produce more NPY and it is one of the primary reasons why people tend to overeat when they are anxious.

You can decrease the amount of NPY in your body by increasing the amount of protein in your body, eating at proper intervals, and adding more soluble fibres to your diet.

7. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)

GLP-1 is released when the meal you consumed reaches the lower half of your digestive system. It keeps the levels of sugar in your blood under control and reduces hunger pangs. If your body doesn’t produce enough GLP-1, you will eat more and have weight gain in the process. Besides, your blood sugar levels will also rise to make you more prone to contracting diabetes.

Include proteins in your diet by consuming more yogurt and seafood. Increase the amount of greens and probiotics you eat as well and your body will be able to produce more GLP-1.

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8. Peptide YY (PYY)

Short for peptide tyrosine, PYY is released by your ileum and colon whenever you eat. Just like Leptin and GLP-1, it lets you know when you’re feeling full after your meal. As mentioned earlier, reduce your intake of carbohydrates and try to consume more organically produced food. Eat more proteins and fibrous foods.

9. Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Quite like GLP-1, increased amounts of CCK in the body can reduce your appetite. It is especially important as it helps you digest fats and proteins properly. To ensure that you maintain a healthy level of CCK, eat more protein and try to consume only fat that is good for you. This includes the fats found in fish, eggs and olive oil. Fibre can also help you produce more CCK.

Follow a proper diet, if you want to ensure you have a stable weight. For, dietary fads are just the Fads.

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