What Hormones Affect Weight

The body is designed in such a way that it needs food and water from time to time, otherwise there will be serious failures in its coordinated work. Ubiquitous hormones - biologically active substances produced in the cells of endocrine glands to regulate metabolism and physiological functions - are responsible for the proper submission of requests for nutrition.

Appetite, however, is not always felt in the same way - sometimes it is simply animalistic, it seems that it would eat an elephant, and sometimes it is not there at all, although, according to the schedule, it is long time to feed. Complex metabolic processes are hidden behind this phenomenon, which are mainly controlled by special hormones - leptin and ghrelin , which inform the brain about feelings of hunger and satiety. And if you want to switch to a healthy diet and achieve the desired stability in weight , you should get to know this couple more closely.

What is leptin?

This peptide hormone , which is produced by adipose tissue, regulates energy metabolism, body weight and suppresses appetite. The fact is that the more fat deposits there are in the body, the more leptin is released . In addition, in the female body, it is responsible for the regulation of menstrual function (with a critical decrease in the level of leptin , ovulation and periods stop). Satiety hormone is secreted by adipose tissue cells (adipocytes) and transported by blood to the brain. When a sufficient amount of leptin reaches the control center , the body recognizes that it no longer needs food, and a feeling of satiety occurs.

What is ghrelin?

This hormone , which is mainly produced by the cells of the mucous membrane of the stomach, manifests itself as an antagonist of leptin , acting exactly the opposite. When it enters the blood and brain, you realize that you are hungry, and after eating, the release of the hunger hormone decreases. Thus, ghrelin , like leptin , functions as a body weight regulator, constantly maintaining the level of stored substances in the normal range.

How can they be controlled?

Special receptors constantly measure the content of leptin and ghrelin , making sure that you eat enough - no more and no less than necessary. Accordingly, in order to avoid disruptions in hormonal signals, it is important to take care of the correct regime and nutrition. As far as nutrition is concerned, the main helper is fiber. Dietary fibers saturate for a long time, stimulate digestion, promote the growth and reproduction of good bacteria in the intestine, which, in turn, help to get rid of excess carbohydrates and not gain weight .

"The cause of excess weight can be congenital hormonal disorders, but in most cases, the wrong lifestyle is to blame," explains the endocrinologist. - There is no secret in the fact that dietary fiber has a positive effect on hormonal balance . Regime, exercises, smart nutrition help hormones not to stray from the true path. Don't forget to have breakfast, have dinner no later than 3 hours before going to bed, eat without distraction and in no hurry so as not to overeat. Reduce the volume of refined and processed products, fight the attachment to baking and forbid yourself sugar in its pure form.

And a little about insulin

In addition to leptin and ghrelin , there are other important hormones associated with eating behavior. Insulin , produced by the pancreas, stands out especially among them , as it is the only hormone in the body capable of lowering blood sugar. The main purpose of insulin is the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, in particular, the utilization of glucose in the body, but in one way or another, insulin affects all types of metabolism.

Carbohydrates are broken down in the mouth, and protein decomposition begins in the stomach, and fat is digested in the duodenum. This means that the body is almost constantly engaged in the assimilation of food, which is accompanied by the release of glucose in the blood and the concomitant formation of insulin for its assimilation. Succumbing to the habit of eating outside of the regime and attachment to chaotic snacks, the pancreas is forced to constantly respond to fluctuations in glucose in the blood. Excessive load can provoke failures in the formation of insulin , which threatens insufficient absorption of glucose, and - if the situation is thoughtlessly started - diabetes of the 2nd type.

"Those who are concerned about excess weight and thoughts about diabetes should review their lifestyle for negative factors," says the specialist. - It is clear about diet and physical activity, but also, if you want to stabilize glucose spikes, it is important to give up smoking, reduce alcohol to delicate doses, get enough vitamin D and sleep well, because lack of sleep increases the risk of developing insulin resistance. And, most importantly, avoid snacks and sweetened drinks in between meals lasting at least 4-5 hours. Adherence to these rules will definitely lead to a decrease in blood sugar, the establishment of a general hormonal balance and the stable weight you are aiming for."