Hormones & weight 101

THESE ARE THE HORMONES THAT AFFECT WEIGHT, ENERGY & MOOD

CORTISOL

THE STRESS HORMONE

Affects blood sugar levels, blood pressure and the immune system. When we feel stress, cortisol releases glucose. Too much cortisol causes fat to be stored on the belly.

INSULIN

THE FAT-STORAGE CONTROLLER

Allows glucose entering cells to be used as energy. If there’s too much glucose or the system is faulty, it’s stored as fat. Chronically high insulin levels increase oestrogen and may lead to insulin resistance.

SEROTONIN

THE FEEL-GOOD HORMONE

The mood stabiliser everyone wants to know more about. It affects our attitude, appetite and sleep.

THYROID HORMONE

THE QUEEN OF METABOLISM

Affects metabolism, energy, sleep, weight and mood.

LEPTIN

THE HORMONE OF HUNGER

Regulates appetite by signalling when we have had enough to eat. If it’s not functioning properly, we do not receive the “I am full and satiated” signal.

TESTOSTERONE

THE HORMONE OF VITALITY

Affects energy, libido and lean muscle mass in men and women.

OESTROGEN

THE PROTECTIVE HORMONE

Produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat cells. It affects brain function, the monthly cycle, skin elasticity, libido and mood.