obesity This is a condition in which a person has too much fat in their body and increases the risk of many other diseases and health conditions. These include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea and some cancers. Obesity is considered the new global health epidemic that has reached alarming levels, with approximately 40% of the adult population worldwide classified as overweight or obese.

There are many reasons that can lead to obesity, one of them is hormonal imbalance. Speaking to Times Now, Dr Mehak Sharma, Head of Lab (Gurugram) at Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, explained how hormonal imbalance plays a key role in the development and persistence of obesity.

Dr. Sharma said, “A growing body of research points to relationships between hormones such as insulin, leptin, cortisol, thyroid hormones and sex hormones, and obesity. There is now increasing emphasis that hormonal regulation of appetite, fat storage and energy metabolism is a major driver of obesity, especially when hormonal dysfunction is not recognized or treated.

Role of hormones in weight regulation

Hormones help regulate various functions including metabolism, appetite, fat storage, and energy utilization. It is important to have a balance of these hormones because they help maintain a healthy body weight.

“When this balance is disrupted by factors such as genetics, environment or an unhealthy lifestyle, it can lead to significant uncontrolled weight gain. It is important to understand the relationship between hormonal imbalance and obesity to develop effective treatment strategies for those affected.

Relationship between insulin resistance and obesity

one of the most well-established relationships between Hormonal imbalance and obesity This involves the role of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar levels. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, it is known as insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes and is strongly linked to obesity.

People with insulin resistance find it difficult to control blood sugar, leading to increased blood sugar levels and more fat accumulation, especially around the abdomen. As fat accumulates, insulin resistance worsens, creating a vicious cycle of weight gain and metabolic dysfunction.

Relationship between leptin resistance and appetite control

Leptin, also known as the “satiety hormone” and produced by fat cells, signals the brain when the body has sufficient energy reserves, thereby reducing appetite and food intake. However, many obese individuals develop leptin resistance, where the brain no longer responds to leptin signals.

As a result, the brain experiences a state of starvation leading to increased appetite and food intake. Poor sleep, stress, and a diet high in processed foods can increase leptin resistance. Due to this hormonal imbalance, people face difficulty in controlling their appetite and losing weight even when consuming less calories.

The relationship between cortisol and stress-induced weight gain

Cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands and is another major player in the hormonal imbalance that causes obesity. While cortisol has many important functions, chronic stress can lead to persistently elevated cortisol levels which is linked to abdominal obesity.

Elevated cortisol also leads to fat storage, especially around the organs which is associated with a higher risk of metabolic diseases. Along with fat storage, cortisol also increases your appetite and cravings for high-calorie, high-sugar foods, often referred to as stress-induced cravings.

Link Between Thyroid Dysfunction and Metabolic Regulation

Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating the body’s metabolism. Hypothyroidism, or insufficiency of thyroid hormones, is a condition that is often associated with weight gain as the body’s metabolic rate slows, leading to fatigue, cold intolerance and weight gain.

Even mild hypothyroidism can lead to significant weight gain and difficulty losing weight.

Relationship between sex hormones and obesity in women

In women, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. This affects fat distribution and metabolism. High estrogen levels can increase fat storage, especially around the hips and thighs.

It is often found in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and women taking oral contraceptive pills. Hormonal imbalance related to PCOS, which affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age, can also lead to insulin resistance and obesity. As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, many women experience a shift in fat storage from the hips and thighs to the abdomen, often accompanied by weight gain.

“Understanding the role of hormones in obesity is important for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Sharma.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.