18/07/2025
Today we’re diving into glands specifically endocrine, exocrine, and sweat glands and how they tie into your health journey. Let’s break it down!
1. Endocrine Glands: The “Internal Messengers”
Think of endocrine glands (like the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries/testes, etc.) as your body’s hormonal email system. They release hormones directly into the bloodstream to travel far and wide, regulating big - picture stuff: metabolism, hunger, energy, and yes weight!
For example, your pancreas (an endocrine gland) makes insulin a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy. If insulin isn’t working right (hello, insulin resistance), your body struggles to manage blood sugar, which can lead to cravings, fat storage, and obesity. Your thyroid (another endocrine gland) releases hormones that control your metabolism – if it’s underactive (hypothyroidism), your metabolism slows, making weight management way harder.
2. Exocrine Glands: The “Outward Secretors”
Exocrine glands (like salivary glands, sweat glands in the digestive tract, and mammary glands) are all about secreting substances through ducts to the outside of your body (or into body cavities, like your digestive system).
How does this tie to weight? Let’s look at the pancreas again it’s both endocrine AND exocrine! Its exocrine function releases digestive enzymes into the gut via ducts, helping break down food so your body can absorb nutrients. If digestion is off (maybe from a sluggish exocrine gland), your body might not absorb nutrients properly, which can disrupt hunger signals and energy balance.
3. Sweat Glands: More Than Just Cooling Off
Sweat glands help regulate temperature, but they also play a tiny (but interesting) role in weight. When you sweat, you lose water weight temporarily but that’s not fat loss. However, sweating often comes with exercise, which IS key for weight management!
Plus, some research suggests that proper sweat gland function (and good circulation) supports overall skin and metabolic health little pieces of the big “wellness puzzle.”
Why This Matters for Weight & Obesity
Your glands work together to keep your body in balance. If one glandular system is off (like endocrine hormones regulating hunger/metabolism), it can derail your weight goals. For example:
Endocrine issues (thyroid disorders, insulin resistance) can make weight gain feel unavoidable, even with diet/exercise.
Exocrine problems (digestive enzyme deficiencies) might lead to nutrient gaps, causing cravings or low energy for workouts.
That’s why, in my practice, we don’t just “count calories” we check for glandular/hormonal imbalances too. If your thyroid is sluggish, or your pancreas is struggling with insulin, fixing those root issues is KEY to sustainable weight management.
So, next time you think about weight, remember: it’s not just “willpower” it’s your amazing (and sometimes finicky) glandular systems talking to each other. If you’re struggling, don’t blame yourself get curious about your body’s unique needs, and let’s work with your glands, not against them!
Stay healthy, stay curious and as always, reach out if you need support navigating your weight or glandular health. You don’t have to do this alone!
