Types of hormones that affect body shape and weight loss
Health is not all about diet and exercise. The Hormones in your body can either break you or build you. Hormones are special chemical messengers responsible for controlling your body activities. The endocrine glands directly secret these complex chemical substances into your bloodstream. The hormones are big influencers of metabolism in your body. I guess now you can see a correlation between hormones and your body shape!
Most experienced professionals can identify hormonal imbalances in your body just by looking at you. The shape and weight of your body are a direct result of the different types of hormones discussed below.
Stress hormones
Having an extra belly and fat bum indicates stress hormone kicking in. You might be under a significant amount of stress. Stress can occur due to intense work/career pressure or a bad relationship. Something is triggering the release of stress hormones in your body several times in the day. The build-up of extra weight around the middle section of your body is a direct result of the stress hormone. You can call the stress hormone cortisol.
How to manage it?
This question is equivalent to asking how to manage stress. You can start a meditation routine and remove any toxicity from your environment. Try to get enough sleep to keep down your stress levels. Do not restrict your calories or overdo an exercise as they further release cortisol. Do light exercises every day and add more magnesium to your diet.
Thyroid hormones
If you are overweight or underweight, then there is a high chance of thyroid hormonal imbalance in your body system. I do not mean to shift your blame from your dieting habits to your hormonal problem. However, you must visit a doctor to get the thyroid test done. If your thyroid is overactive, then you will be very slim as thyroid finds it difficult to store fat in your body. For an underactive thyroid, it is just the opposite.
How to manage it?
You can manage thyroid imbalances by prescribing proper thyroid medications and by doing light exercises. Keep in mind not to overstress your body.
Estrogen hormones
You may call it estrogen or Oestrogen. The ovary glands in women are responsible for secreting the hormone. If you have a pear-shaped body, there is a high chance that your ovary is kicking in too much estrogen. Pear-shaped body means excess fat on the hips and the thighs. Getting fat like a pear is not the only symptom. Acne, mood problems, soft breasts, PMS are several other symptoms that can become causes of concern.
How to manage it?
Having vegetables along with every meal will help you manage it. The high amount of fiber in vegetables will accelerate your metabolism which can help you get rid of excess estrogen in your body. The next step to consider is to stop taking birth control pills. Taking a birth pill is the most dangerous thing you can do to yourself. There are a lot of exercises you can do to bring back your ovary functions to normal.
Liver hormones
The 3-pound organ in your body under your rib cage is a food purifier. Your weight is not always due to your fat. If you have a huge pot belly and look pregnant, then most probably you are not fat at all! Ascites is a condition where the liver gets overloaded. The liver starts secreting a fluid between your organs and the abdomen. This will make you look like a pregnant lady.
How to manage it?
Your liver is overstressed. It is working hard to break down food and filter toxins. The first thing you can do is to reduce alcohol consumption. Try to intake lower carbohydrates and sugar as well. If you are a junk food lover, then start hating it. Junk food and highly processed food items are your enemies.
Every one of us is blessed with a different body. You can ignore any temporary body changes as they are normal. However, if your body starts providing tangible clues about hormonal imbalances, it is wise to look into the matter seriously. Keep in mind that not all hormonal changes can be controlled. Keep track of your health every day and be a wise friend to your own body!