Q: I’ve been gaining weight and I’m not sure why. No matter how hard I try to cut back on calories and exercise more, the scale won’t budge. I think I’ve even gained a few pounds, which is frustrating. Could hormones be playing a role?
Yes. Hormones control many key functions in our bodies, like metabolism (the rate by which food gets turned into energy) and fat storage. When hormonal levels shift, it can have a huge impact on our weight, body shape, and energy levels.
Key regulators of metabolic rates in the body include hormones like thyroid (which, when low, can leave you feeling sluggish), insulin (which regulates blood sugar and can promote fat storage when high), and cortisol (also known as “the stress hormone”). Shifts in sex hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone can play a role too, impacting things like fat distribution, muscle mass, water retention, and bloating.
What causes these hormonal shifts? Age, for one. As we get older, our metabolism slows, our fasting blood sugar levels can increase, and cells may become less sensitive to insulin. Other natural changes, like menopause and childbirth, can also send hormones and metabolism spiraling. So can being persistently stressed, which can increase cortisol and trigger fat and carbohydrate storage.
If you have concerns about hormonal dysregulation in your body and its connection to weight gain or an inability to lose weight, talk to your doctor. Simple blood tests can determine what’s needed, whether it’s medication and/or lifestyle and dietary changes. For instance, if you’re going through menopause, you may need to add more protein to your diet, cut back on calories, and focus on weight-bearing exercises to preserve muscle mass.
Good luck.
