How can I use my natural body hormones to my advantage?

Our body has several in-built mechanisms to control our weight. If these mechanisms are combined with a balanced diet and adequate exercises, you can be rest assured about success in your weight loss diet plan. One such mechanism is hormones.

Do you remember those high-school biology classes where you learnt that hormones play a pivotal role in our everyday life? You know what; you should start being really nice to these hormones, as they are going to help you in your weight loss to a very large extent.

According to Greg Landry, “A hormone is a chemical messenger that carries a signal through blood from one cell or a group of cells to another.” They pass orders from the brain to the vital organs of our body, like brain, nervous system, reproductive system, kidneys, and liver. They even control our fat production and storage. Did you know that hormones control our metabolism, determine how our fat is stored, and control our hunger pangs? Actually, our body consists of many hormones and each has a specific function. But they can coordinate our bodily function only when they work as a well-managed team. An imbalance in any of these hormones can lead to obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, osteoarthritis, infertility and many other disorders.


Let us take a look at this list of hormones which can be a natural support for your weight loss plan.

Insulin: One of the major hormones, it regulates the blood sugar, and directs the glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids into the cells. It is the pancreas in our body that secretes insulin. When the blood sugar level increases especially after a heavy meal, the pancreas need to secrete more insulin thereby increasing the pressure on the organ. Hence it is advisable to take small and frequent meals. Regular exercises also help decrease the blood levels of insulin.

Thyroxin: Another important hormone aiding weight loss, thyroxin increases metabolism by giving you more energy and helping you burn more calories. Regular exercises can keep the levels of thyroxin high.

Testosterone: This sex hormone produced by the ovaries in females increases metabolism and decreases body fat. The reason why most women gain weight during menopause is because the testosterone levels start decreasing. This hormone also plays a role in the libido.

Estrogen and Progesterone: These sex hormones promote the storage of fat. Any imbalance between these hormones can result in ‘Estrogen dominance’, which may lead to other health disorders.

Growth Hormone: Produced by the pituitary gland, this hormone stimulates protein synthesis and affects the development of bones, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. An increased secretion of this hormone during exercises increases the use of fat and decreases the use of glucose.

Epinephrine: Produced by the adrenal medulla, this hormone increases the blood flow to the heart. It even stimulates the stored carbohydrate glycogen in the muscles and liver, to use it as fuel. Similarly it stimulates the breakdown of fat as well.

Glucagon: Another hormone secreted by the pancreas, glucagon is secreted to maintain the normal level of blood glucose. It triggers the release of glycogen into the blood stream when the blood glucose levels dip down after a workout. It even causes breakdown of fat to be used as fuels.

Endorphins: Another hormone produced by the pituitary gland, it decreases appetite, blocks pain, and reduces tension and anxiety. Since they create a feeling of euphoria, an increased duration of exercises is a piece of cake.

Cortisol: Released by the adrenal gland, this helps us deal with stressed situations. It stimulates the release of glucose and fat from the cells to prepare us for any exigencies. It even stimulates our body to replace the spent energy.

As is obvious by now, exercise encourages secretion of most of these hormones; it is advisable to be in their good books. Next time you think of skipping your workout, just think of all the hormones and feel motivated to lose weight.