Why you can't lose weight: Endocrinologist explains real reason
Do hormones affect weight loss (photo: Freepik)
Hormones can significantly complicate weight loss. Even with proper nutrition, metabolism may slow down and appetite may increase, contributing to weight gain.
This was stated in an interview with RBC-Ukraine by endocrinologist Kateryna Komisarenko.
Read also: Three hormones that support a healthy body weight
The impact of hormones on weight loss
The doctor explained that hormones can affect the speed of weight loss. However, it is not only about hormones, as in most cases the reasons are basic factors related to diet and physical activity. Therefore, these two aspects should be normalized first.
In particular, a food diary — often recommended by doctors — helps identify what goes unnoticed and leads to excessive calorie accumulation in the body.
"If we are talking about hormonal factors, we definitely check them when a patient comes in with a food diary. If nothing has changed in your lifestyle, but your weight is increasing or not decreasing, we begin to examine hormone levels, because they do play a role," Komisarenko added.
What to check if weight increases
The first step is to test thyroid hormones. This is because every cell in the body has receptors linked to these hormones. If there is a deficiency, one of the first complaints is weight gain.
Laboratory tests may then reveal changes in the lipid profile, particularly elevated cholesterol levels.
It is also important not to overlook glucose metabolism indicators. This involves not only current blood glucose levels. Glycated (glycosylated) hemoglobin reflects average blood sugar levels over the previous three months.
The hormone leptin, known as the "satiety hormone," is currently widely discussed. It influences the feeling of fullness, but when present in excessive amounts, the "hunger center" no longer responds to it.
"The balance in the connection between the hunger-satiety center and leptin becomes disrupted. It should also be checked. We do not treat leptin itself, but we use it to monitor the dynamics of treatment," the expert noted.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
