26/08/2025
Important Blood Tests to Consider for Weight Loss
When someone struggles with weight management, it is not always due to “eating too much” or “not exercising enough.” Hidden health conditions, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies often play a role. Blood tests help uncover these root causes and allow a personalized nutrition plan for effective weight loss.
✅ 1. Thyroid Function Test (T3, T4, TSH)
Why: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows metabolism and causes weight gain, fatigue, and bloating.
Nutrition Link: Adequate iodine, selenium, and zinc are essential for thyroid hormone production.
✅ 2. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) & HbA1c
Why: High sugar levels or insulin resistance prevent fat burning and increase fat storage. HbA1c reflects average sugar control over 3 months.
A low glycaemic index diet with high fibre, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps improve insulin sensitivity.
✅ 3. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol & Triglycerides)
Why: High LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides are linked with obesity, fatty liver, and heart risk. Low HDL (good cholesterol) makes fat metabolism inefficient.
Nutrition Link: Including omega-3 fats (flaxseeds, walnuts, fatty fish) and reducing fried/junk foods improves lipid balance.
✅ 4. Liver Function Test (LFT)
Why: Fatty liver (common in obesity) slows fat metabolism and may cause resistance to weight loss.
Diet rich in antioxidants, green leafy vegetables, and lean proteins reduces liver fat.
✅ 5. Kidney Function Test (Creatinine, Urea, eGFR)
Dieticians adjust protein intake depending on kidney health.
Adequate hydration, low sodium diet, and plant-based proteins are supportive.
✅ 6. Vitamin D Levels
Why: Low Vitamin D is linked with obesity, insulin resistance, and fatigue. It can also affect mood and immunity.
Nutrition Link:
Sun exposure and foods like fortified milk, mushrooms, and fatty fish help.
✅ 7. Vitamin B12 Levels
Why: B12 deficiency leads to fatigue, low metabolism, poor digestion, and anaemia — making weight loss harder.
✅ 8. Iron Profile (Serum Ferritin, Haemoglobin)
Why: Iron deficiency causes anaemia → tiredness → low physical activity → weight gain tendency.
Nutrition Link:
Iron-rich foods (spinach, lentils, lean meat, jaggery) should be paired with Vitamin C foods (citrus fruits) for better absorption.
✅ 9. Cortisol Test (Stress Hormone)
Why: High cortisol increases belly fat, sugar cravings, and slows metabolism. Chronic stress makes weight loss difficult.
Balanced meals with complex carbs, omega-3 fats, and magnesium-rich foods help manage cortisol.
✅ 10. S*x Hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, Insulin, PCOS Panel)
Why: Hormonal imbalance, especially in women with PCOS/PCOD, causes stubborn weight gain, irregular cycles, and cravings. In men, low testosterone reduces muscle mass and slows metabolism.
Weight loss plans are tailored based on hormonal reports.
For more information- www.diet4uwellness.com
