Hormones are involved in regulating appetite and can influence weight, but to what extent?
Hormones play a key role in weight regulation in the sense that they influence our appetite. Although there are no specific signs to confirm that we are gaining weight due to hormones, certain situations are clearly identified:
► Are you sleeping poorly? The appearance of sleep disturbances can be revealing. Lack of sleep promotes weight gain through disruption of leptinsatiety hormone, and ghrelinthe hunger hormone, which can push us to eat more, especially fatty and sugary foods that promote weight gain.
► You “throw” yourself on pleasure foods: In case of significant stress, too much cortisol is secreted, which can increase appetite and therefore lead to weight gain. “Sweet foods are “reward” foods that we reach for when stressed or depressed.explains Dr Olivier Dupuy, head of the endocrinology and diabetology department at Paris Saint-Joseph hospital.
► You are retaining water before your period: A few days before your period, it is not uncommon to observe a slight weight gain on the scale. This phenomenon results from the combination of different factors: estrogen-progesterone imbalance, which causes water retention and the feeling of being bloated; constipation linked to increased progesterone levels which slows down the digestive system; a decrease in physical activity, correlated with an increase in caloric intake which inevitably leads to weight gain. Fortunately, it is temporary and the bloating disappears after this period.
► You are menopausal: Many women experience weight gain during menopause. However, the responsibility of hormones in this process remains extremely debated. “In reality, weight gain would be a consequence of this physiological modification, indicates the endocrinologist. There are important interactions between hormones, the peripheral and central nervous systems, and the centers of psychological balance. To limit weight gain during this period, it is recommended to adopt a varied and balanced diet and to practice regular physical activity..”
► You suffer from thyroid dysfunction : Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, can be responsible for weight gain. Treatment allows you to quickly get rid of extra pounds.
►A risk of obesity: In obesity, the obesity hormone increases. “But weight gain is a consequencenot a cause, inform the specialist. Generally speaking, weight gain is mainly linked to a reduction in physical activity and an unbalanced diet. But many other factors, including alterations in the rhythm of our lifestyles, uncontrolled eating and stress, will also promote weight gain.“.
The diagnosis is based on a hormonal assessmentlooking for a thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism), an excess of cortisol (hypercortisolism) which causes Cushing’s diseaseor evenexcess growth hormone (GH) which can cause weight gain. “In other words, certain specific diseases are sought because weight gain is one of the elements allowing the diagnosis to be established, she is never isolated. In a few minutes of evaluation, we will be able to determine whether these organic weight gains are linked to illnesses or lifestyle changes.“, specifies Dr Olivier Dupuy.