9 Hormones That Affect Weight — and How to Improve Them

* What it does: Leptin is a hormone that signals the brain that the body has enough energy stored. It helps to regulate appetite and body weight.

* How to improve it: Leptin levels can be increased by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

* What happens when it's out of balance: Low leptin levels can lead to obesity, while high leptin levels can cause leptin resistance, which can also lead to obesity.

2. Ghrelin

* What it does: Ghrelin is a hormone that signals the brain that the body is hungry. It helps to regulate appetite and body weight.

* How to improve it: Ghrelin levels can be decreased by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

* What happens when it's out of balance: High ghrelin levels can lead to obesity, while low ghrelin levels can cause anorexia nervosa.

3. Insulin

* What it does: Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. It also helps to regulate body weight.

* How to improve it: Insulin levels can be improved by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

* What happens when it's out of balance: High insulin levels can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Low insulin levels can cause hypoglycemia.

4. Glucagon

* What it does: Glucagon is a hormone that helps the body release glucose from the liver into the bloodstream. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

* How to improve it: Glucagon levels can be improved by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

* What happens when it's out of balance: High glucagon levels can lead to hyperglycemia, while low glucagon levels can cause hypoglycemia.

5. Cortisol

* What it does: Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress. It helps to regulate blood pressure, immune function, and energy levels.

* How to improve it: Cortisol levels can be reduced by managing stress, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

* What happens when it's out of balance: High cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and immune system problems. Low cortisol levels can cause fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure.

6. Estrogen

* What it does: Estrogen is a female sex hormone that helps to regulate menstruation, fertility, and pregnancy. It also helps to protect against heart disease and osteoporosis.

* How to improve it: Estrogen levels can be increased by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

* What happens when it's out of balance: Low estrogen levels can lead to amenorrhea, infertility, and osteoporosis. High estrogen levels can cause weight gain, breast tenderness, and fibroids.

7. Progesterone

* What it does: Progesterone is a female sex hormone that helps to regulate menstruation, fertility, and pregnancy. It also helps to protect against uterine cancer.

* How to improve it: Progesterone levels can be increased by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

* What happens when it's out of balance: Low progesterone levels can lead to amenorrhea, infertility, and miscarriage. High progesterone levels can cause weight gain, acne, and breast tenderness.

8. Testosterone

* What it does: Testosterone is a male sex hormone that helps to regulate muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive. It also helps to protect against heart disease and prostate cancer.

* How to improve it: Testosterone levels can be increased by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

* What happens when it's out of balance: Low testosterone levels can lead to weight gain, muscle loss, and decreased sex drive. High testosterone levels can cause weight gain, aggression, and acne.

9. Thyroid hormones

* What they do: Thyroid hormones help to regulate metabolism, energy levels, and mood.

* How to improve them: Thyroid hormone levels can be improved by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

* What happens when they're out of balance: Low thyroid hormone levels can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and depression. High thyroid hormone levels can cause weight loss, anxiety, and palpitations.

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