Fat around the midsection is a big problem that many Americans face. In fact, belly fat is the most dangerous type of fat. Excess weight around the midsection can increase your chances of developing diabetes, cancer, heart disease and stroke. Not only is belly fat unattractive, but it can be a key indicator of a hormonal imbalance.
Belly fat can be an indicator of a number of hormonal imbalances including:
A decrease in testosterone levels in men.
Elevated testosterone or DHEA levels in women.
Estrogen dominance in both genders.
Adrenal dysfunction in both genders.
In order to reduce belly fat, one must engage in regular exercise, consume a healthy diet, receive plenty of sleep and address any hormonal imbalances that may be associated with your weight gain.
Hormones and weight gain in Shawnee, KS may be the result of elevated androgens (also referred to as DHEA and testosterone) in women. This can often be an early indicator that a woman is developing insulin resistance or has already established insulin resistance. When the body struggles with glucose metabolism, testosterone and DHEA levels become elevated. With the elevation of testosterone and DHEA, many women begin to develop male pattern obesity. Male pattern obesity refers to the apple-shaped figure that many women struggle with as they become older. Younger women, especially those dealing with PCOS, are also struggling with obesity around the midsection. This is especially dangerous because it can increase the risk of a young woman developing diabetes or heart disease.
Abdominal fat cells can increase the aromatization of testosterone into estrogen. When estrogen levels rise, the likelihood of retaining more fat around the abdominal region becomes more of a reality. Hormones and weight gain in Shawnee, KS can create a vicious cycle of blood sugar dysregulation as well hormonal imbalances. Male testosterone levels begin to become lower as the result of stress, aging and obesity. In today’s world, men are experiencing a decrease in testosterone levels much earlier in life than ever before. Lower testosterone levels are the result of insulin resistance as well as an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Research conducted at the University of Washington indicates that men with lower testosterone levels are much more likely to develop abdominal fat. Researchers also found that replacing lost testosterone can help to aid in the fat loss process.
Something else to consider when it comes to hormones and weight gain in Shawnee, KS is cortisol. Also referred to as the stress hormone, cortisol imbalances can lead to an increase in abdominal fat. Researchers at Yale University found that even slim women with high cortisol levels were likely to still experience fat around the midsection. Cortisol is also linked to an increase in the storage of abdominal fat. Insufficient cortisol levels can also cause cravings, fatigue and poor thyroid function.
Struggling with hormones and weight loss in Shawnee, KS can be a challenge. Diet and exercise are often your best defense against weight gain and can help you to lose unwanted weight. However, it is important to remember that hormonal imbalances can make weight loss challenging even when you feel you are doing everything right. Testing for hormonal imbalances at LifeWorks can beneficial to help ensure successful weight loss.
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