Rebalancing hormones is essential for sustainable weight loss from "summary" of Always Hungry? by DAVID. S. LUDWIG
Rebalancing hormones is essential for sustainable weight loss. Our hormones play a crucial role in regulating our metabolism and appetite. When our hormones are out of balance, it can lead to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. One of the main hormones involved in weight regulation is insulin. Insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels and promoting fat storage. When we consume high amounts of processed carbohydrates and sugar, it can lead to insulin resistance, where our cells become less responsive to insulin. This can result in elevated insulin levels, which can promote fat storage and make it difficult to lose weight. Another important hormone is leptin, which is produced by our fat cells and helps regulate our appetite and metabolism. When we have high levels of body fat, our leptin levels should signal to our brain that we are full and should stop eating. However, in some cases of obesity, leptin resistance can develop, where the brain does not respond to the leptin signal, leading to overeating and weight gain. In order to rebalance our hormones and promote sustainable weight loss, we need to focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods that are high in nutrients and low in added sugars and refined carbohydrates. This can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin levels, promoting fat loss. Additionally, incorporating regular physical activity into our daily routine can help improve hormone balance and promote weight loss. Exercise can help increase insulin sensitivity, reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and improve leptin sensitivity, all of which can help support weight loss efforts.- We can support sustainable weight loss and improve overall health. It's not just about counting calories or restricting certain food groups – it's about nourishing our bodies with the right foods and lifestyle choices to promote optimal hormone balance and long-term weight management.