Is your weight not budging? Think about weight loss resistance.

What causes your body to hang on to extra weight regardless of what diet or exercise measures you take? The answer could be weight loss resistance.

One of the biggest causes for weight loss resistance is hormonal imbalance. Of course there are several other reasons such as our medical problems, the medications we take, genetics and more.

That said, here are three the main hormonal imbalances that I think contribute to weight loss resistance.

1. Insulin: Hands down, insulin (causes insulin resistance) takes first place in being that monster hormone that causes weight gain. When you consume carbohydrates, your insulin levels go up, to metabolize sugars. In cases of insulin resistance, the insulin does not have the same effect on sugars consumed, hence the weight gain. The process of insulin resistance in not completely understood. But we know that regulating your insulin levels can shift your body from fat storage mode to fat-burning mode. Studies show that people who are obese, sedentary, have a family history of diabetes suffer from insulin resistance.

Three ways to reverse insulin resistance are:

- Avoid refined carbohydrates

- Stay active

- Reduce your portion sizes.

2. Thyroid hormone. This hormone plays an important role in your metabolism. Low thyroid hormone function or hypothyroidism affects about 5 people out of 100, is more common in women and sadly, most cases are not diagnosed. Low thyroid hormone function can slow your metabolism and make it difficult for you to loose weight. Although in many cases the cause of hypothyroidism is unknown, some studies now show that pesticides, heavy metals and nutrient deficiencies can make things worse. If you are struggling with weight loss, it’s a good idea to talk to your primary care provider about getting a blood test to check your thyroid hormone.

Three things you can do to balance your thyroid hormone levels are:

- Limit RAW cruciferous veggies in your diet if you suffer from hypothyroidism.

- Limit soybeans

- Take vitamin and mineral supplements that contain selenium, zinc, iodine, omega 3 fats and vitamin D.

3. Cortisol: Cortisol is a “fight or flight” hormone that is released in response to stress. It is the hormone that helps you survive in the face of real danger. In short bursts, it increases your heart rate as well as the glucose in your blood. It also shuts down non essential organs like your digestive system. So a short burst of cortisol basically helps you survive in addition to boosting your immune system. Prolonged elevations of cortisol levels however can be detrimental because they can cause increased blood sugar, increased belly fat storage, high blood pressure and loss of muscle mass. The saying, “you can think yourself fat” is true.

Three things you can do to regulate your cortisol levels are:

- Exercise: stimulates the production of endorphins which in turn, lowers cortisol levels.

- Practice relaxation techniques such as active meditation, deep breathing, yoga.

- Sleep for at least 6-7 hours a day.

Other hormones can cause weight loss resistance but I think these are the main ones: Insulin, The Thyroid hormone and Cortisol.

I hope you found this blog informative.

Post a comment or a question or mention one or more topics of interest and I will be glad to touch on those as well.

If you are struggling with weight loss, I can help. Remember that you are not alone. Simply head over to the “EVOLVE” page of this website and check out my EVOLVE METHOD programs.

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