Weight Gain and Hormones

One of the most common physical side effects of having a hormonal imbalance, especially in women, is weight gain.  Why is that?  Because your hormones help to regulate many systems in your body that control your weight, including your appetite and metabolism.

This article will explore just a couple of the hormones you need to keep balanced and how they can affect your weight.

 

 

Estrogen VS Progesterone Weight Changes

Many hormones can affect your weight, but two common ones are estrogen and progesterone.  The difference is that when these levels are too low or too high, it can cause considerably different outcomes for your weight.  Understanding this will help you determine which hormones are responsible for the unexplained weight gain.

If you have more body fat, unexpected weight gain, fluid retention, headaches, depression, and blood sugar issues, it is probably from the estrogen in your body being out of balance.  On the other hand, if you are losing weight unexpectedly, you might be struggling with too much progesterone.

To maintain your weight properly, you want a good balance of both, where neither is too high or too low.

 

Why Weight Gain?

There are a few different reasons you start gaining weight due to your hormone levels being out of balance.  The first is that it can cause your metabolism to plummet.  You need a good metabolism level to burn the fat and calories that you consume, so when you have low metabolism, your body holds onto more of what you eat, which can cause you to gain weight more easily.

You might also notice that when you had other symptoms of hormonal imbalance, you also had a bigger appetite, lower energy, and more cravings.  These work together to cause you to eat more, eat more unhealthy foods you crave, and not exercise as much, which, as you know, can also contribute to your weight gain.

 

The Negative Effects of Weight Gain

Gaining weight isn’t just about how you look or how well your clothes fit.  There are also other adverse health consequences of being overweight or obese.  When you start gaining weight, it increases the risk of visceral fat, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.  You are at a higher risk for diabetes, irregular periods, worsening PMS symptoms, joint pain, and even some cancers.  It is important to talk to your healthcare practitioner if you are gaining weight and are not sure why.

 

Download my free eBook for more information on hormones and weight gain: 3 Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight.  Then follow me on Instagram for daily tips and motivation. 

 

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