5 Things That Happen to Your Hormones When You're Trying to Lose Weight, According to a Dietitian

When you embark on a weight loss journey, various hormonal changes can occur in your body. Here are five things that commonly happen to your hormones when you're trying to lose weight, as explained by a dietitian: 

Insulin: As you reduce calorie intake and lose weight, your body's insulin sensitivity typically improves. This means that your cells become more responsive to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. 

Leptin: Leptin is known as the "satiety hormone" because it signals to your brain that you're full and helps regulate appetite. When you lose weight, leptin levels often decrease. 

This can lead to increased hunger and cravings, making it more challenging to maintain weight loss in the long term. Strategies like eating protein-rich foods, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help support healthy leptin levels. 

Ghrelin: Ghrelin is another hormone involved in appetite regulation. It's often called the "hunger hormone" because it stimulates appetite and promotes food intake. When you're trying to lose weight, ghrelin levels may increase, leading to feelings of hunger and potentially making it harder to stick to your diet plan 

Cortisol: Cortisol is known as the "stress hormone" because it's released in response to stress and helps regulate the body's fight-or-flight response. When you're trying to lose weight, cortisol levels may fluctuate due to factors like calorie restriction, exercise, and psychological stress 

Thyroid Hormones: Thyroid hormones play a key role in metabolism and energy regulation. During weight loss, thyroid hormone levels may decrease, which can slow down metabolism and make it harder to lose weight. This adaptive response is often referred to as "adaptive thermogenesis 

Understanding how hormones influence weight loss can be crucial for developing effective strategies and achieving long-term success. It's essential to prioritize overall health and well-being, rather than solely focusing on the number on the scale 

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