Have you been exercising and eating right, without seeing any real losses? Are you ready to feel better but can’t seem to overcome this “wall” you have hit? Do you constantly wonder what’s wrong with your body and why your efforts aren’t successful? If so, the problem may not be you – it may be your hormones.
Hormones are complex. However, there are four that, when out of balance, can make the ability to lose weight almost impossible. Learning what they are and what you can do about them is the first step to overcoming the weight loss battle you are fighting.
Inadequate Levels of Adiponectin
The hormone Adiponectin is responsible for telling your body to burn fat. The more of this hormone you have in your bloodstream, the easier it is for you to burn fat. Low levels of this hormone are associated with a higher risk for obesity.
One of the most frustrating things about adiponectin is that the more fat you have, the lower your levels of this hormone are. You have to “kick start” this hormone to see gains. You can increase your magnesium intake or consume seeds and green, leafy vegetables.
A more aggressive approach is to use “intermittent fasting.” Eat in an 8 hour window each day. Example: Eat between 11am and 7pm. The rest of the day you are sleeping and fasting. This will push your body into fat burning
Excessive Amounts of Ghrelin
Also called the “hunger hormone,” ghrelin is what makes you hungry. If you have cravings that make it impossible to avoid snacking in the evening, it is likely because of ghrelin. This hormone works directly on the brain’s hunger center. This will increase your desire for food, at the worst possible time – night. As a result, you gain weight.
The best way to reduce ghrelin levels is by getting more sleep. If you are sleep deprived, it is going to increase your levels and lead to additional body fat storage.
An Imbalance of Insulin
If you are currently overweight, there is a chance that you are suffering an insulin imbalance, which results in excessive amounts of sugar or glucose in your system. Instead of the sugar feeding your muscles or your body burning it for energy, the carbohydrates that you consume are stored as fat. If you are insulin resistance, it can be impossible to lose fat. However, there is a way to remedy that. If you drink two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar prior to any high carb meal, it will reduce blood glucose levels and eliminate the imbalance that may be present.
As you can see, there are a number of hormones that can result in it being more difficult for you to lose fat. However, there are ways to remedy these issues. If you are unsure of your problem, consider discussing it with your provider, which can help you how to test and address the issues.
