Weight loss is not as easy as magazines, late-night infomercials, and Instagram influencers want you to believe.
There are so many reasons why your body may be packing on extra pounds. It could be a change in your diet, decreased levels of activity, or it could be evidence of a less obvious issue like a hormone imbalance.
Studies show that men and women alike struggle with weight gain and are desperate for holistic solutions that really work.
If you are sick and tired of wasting hours sweating on the elliptical or counting calories without success, then you’ve come to the right place.
Advice from Your Primary Care Physician
If you have tried traditional doctor-approved methods for weight loss and still haven’t seen “any” improvement, then it may be a sign your lack of results is caused by a hormonal imbalance.
The good news is, once you get an assessment and understand how hormones work, you’ll realize that you do not have to suffer the many symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances.
Multiple studies prove that hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is an effective method for rebalancing your hormone levels and getting your life back to normal.
The first step to reducing stubborn fat on your waistline is to learn the facts. Then you can decide if hormone therapy is the right choice for you.
What Are Hormones and Why Should I Care
Hormones are signaling molecules that carry information all over the body for it to function properly. Everything from your mood, emotions, and hunger, to larger more complex processes like reproduction is controlled by the endocrine system.
The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones.
There are so many hormones constantly sending messages it can be hard to keep track; however, the more you know about specific hormones the more you can take an active role in controlling your weight.
The Relationship Between Hormones and Weight Gain
Low levels of certain hormones can affect how quickly and easily you are able to build muscle and store fat.
Let’s start with testosterone. There is a common misconception that testosterone is somehow a “male” only hormone and therefore women do not have it. Truthfully, both men and women produce testosterone; men just produce more of it.
As we age, both men and women can begin to see their testosterone levels drop. There are many symptoms associated with low testosterone.
In general, whenever hormone levels decrease or increase, you can begin to feel less energetic and sluggish. That can make sticking to a consistent workout routine nearly impossible, thus slowly increasing your fat storage due to inactivity.
Let’s say you are making it to the gym but you’re still not seeing the result. Your testosterone levels determine your body’s ability to build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more fat you burn. Rebalancing your hormonal levels will ensure that you are not wasting your time in the gym. You can start to see the results of your hard work.
Stress, Hormones, and Weight Gain
Here is how stress can cause weight gain…
When you are put in a stressful situation the body goes into something called “fight” or “flight” mode. Immediately, the body starts churning out hormones which act as little messengers to protect you. We call these stress hormones.
There is nothing wrong with stress hormones. In fact, stress hormones give us a boost of energy and endurance, and help us be more alert.
Unlike our ancestors who used these stress hormones to prevent from getting eaten alive by predators, our body reacts to stress we may feel about a tight deadline at the office or making it on time to an important appointment.
Cortisol, Adrenaline, and Norepinephrine are three of our most common stress hormones. Stress hormones slow down our metabolism which in turn increases our ability to store fat.
Hormonal Imbalances Are Common
If you believe you may be suffering from a hormonal imbalance, you are not alone. Of all individuals who suffer from symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, around 80% are women and 20% are men.
As it relates to weight gain, decreased testosterone levels can cause stubborn and persistent weight gain in our midsection.
Excess belly fat can lead to other serious health risks.
When it comes to the excess weight associated with hormonal imbalances, a body fat percentage of 35% or more for postmenopausal women means a higher risk of obesity-related heart and diabetes risks. The risks don’t stop there, in fact, you can also suffer from a higher total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and insulin resistance.
Insulin is the primary hormone in regulating glucose levels in your blood. If your body builds up insulin resistance, then you are at a high risk of being diagnosed with diabetes.
What is Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy is a simple treatment in which a trained medical professional prescribes or administers hormones either by injection, on the skin, or under the tongue.
Men and women around the world rely on hormone therapy as an effective treatment for a variety of symptoms, including weight gain. Based on a study released about the effects of hormone therapy on postmenopausal women confirms this conclusion.
The study mentioned above included participants of 1,000 women between the ages of 50 and 80. According to the findings, the participants who were already taking hormones had lower levels of belly fat than women who had not taken hormones.
Scientists are also hopeful that additional studies are proving hormone replacement therapy may also counteract insulin resistance.
Hormone Assisted Medical Weight Loss Program
Studies confirm that HRT is effective in helping to reduce belly fat. However, if you desire long-lasting results, then it is recommended you also avoid self-defeating habits that contribute to weight fluctuations.
At Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre we believe in empowering our patients to make healthy lifestyle changes for long-term weight management.
Along with our state-of-the-art hormone replacement therapy, we offer a comprehensive program to help you maintain your amazing weight loss results.
Our Hormone Assisted Weight Loss Program includes:
- Medical Testing
- Physician Supervision
- Weekly Consultations
- Metabolic Testing
- Plan for Success
- DVD Reviewing the Program
- Cookbook
- Food Journal
- Patient Guidebook
- Tip Sheet
If you’d like to know more about our medical weight loss solution, please don’t hesitate to call or drop by the office.
The best way to determine if hormone therapy is right for you to is to speak with a hormone specialist who will take you through the process step-by-step and answer any and all questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Determining whether weight loss is your primary goal or if hormonal imbalances are contributing to weight issues often requires a medical evaluation. Symptoms like unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite efforts can indicate hormonal imbalances.
Yes, hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid disorders, insulin resistance, or imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone levels, can lead to weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) includes various types depending on the hormones being replaced. For instance:
- Estrogen Therapy: Can sometimes lead to weight gain due to fluid retention, but this effect is usually temporary.
- Testosterone Therapy: May help increase muscle mass and metabolism, potentially aiding in weight loss.
- Thyroid Hormone Therapy: Correcting thyroid imbalances can improve metabolism and aid in weight management.
Risks of HRT can include increased risk of certain cancers (like breast cancer with estrogen therapy), cardiovascular issues, and blood clotting. The benefits for weight management depend on the specific hormone imbalance being treated and should be carefully weighed against these risks under medical supervision.
- In addition to HRT, other strategies for weight management include:
- Dietary Changes: Focus on a balanced diet with appropriate calorie intake.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
- Stress Management: High stress levels can affect hormones; managing stress through techniques like meditation or yoga can be beneficial.
- Sleep: Poor sleep can disrupt hormone balance; prioritize good sleep hygiene.
- Medical Supervision: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor hormone levels and overall health.