18/05/2023
Last weekend I did a seminar on hormones and fat loss resistance in women for a Mother’s Day even at
The 3 key hormones involved are
1. Insulin
2. Cortisol
3. Thyroid Hormones (TSH, T3 and T4)
I discussed how these 3 are connected and how our diet, lifestyle and activity levels play major roles in the overproduction and underproduction of all 3.
In summary, insulin is a fat storage hormone produced by the pancreas when we consume too much carbohydrate and don’t exercise in proportion to that amount. Insulin builds up in the blood causing symptoms of fatigue, intense sugar cravings and fat loss resistance 🍩
Cortisol is our stress hormone and liberates insulin, it also puts our body in a sympathetic state (fight or flight) and contributes to our body’s instability to lose fat.
Our thyroid hormones are synthesised using key micronutrients including selenium, iodine, iron, vit D and tyrosine. When these are lacking or in excess in the diet our thyroid can under or over produce hormones and sometimes cause weight gain. This is due to the reduction in our Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), or the calories/energy we expend at rest doing nothing! This makes it more difficult to lose weight. Weight gain due to the thyroid is roughly only 3-8kg and there are likely other contributors to this but it’s complex and requires more research.
If you suspect you have any of these conditions you can order blood tests through your doctor or i-screen 🩸