Can Hormonal Imbalance Cause Weight Problems?

Many people are in a constant struggle to maintain their body weight, creating an annual 30 Billion dollar industry in the United States alone. Unfortunately for many people, their weight gain is caused by a problem they aren't treating: hormonal imbalance.

Hormones and Metabolism

• Hormonal imbalances often cause changes in the metabolism processes which occur naturally in the body. A slower metabolism means that your body converts food into energy in a less efficient manner. The result is a build up of stored fat in the body and weight gain. In contrast, a higher metabolism rate may result in unwanted weight loss or the inability to gain weight.

The Thyroid

• The thyroid gland and its hormone control a large portion of your body's metabolic functions. The function of the thyroid gland effects your body's ability to maintain weight in two ways, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism will result in uncontrolled weight loss due to the presence of excess thyroid hormone in the blood stream, causing the cells of the body to work at an increased rate.

Hypothyroidism

• On the other end of the spectrum, hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough of its hormone to activate the cells of your body. This results in a slowed metabolism and increases in weight.

Insulin

• Insulin is responsible for the proper control of the various blood sugar levels. When the body does not produce enough insulin, the excess sugar in the blood is routed off to be stored as fat, resulting in weight gain.