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Excess or deficiency of hormones can cause changes in the composition of the body weight, and consequently lead to overweight and obesity. Which hormones contribute to the obesity disease? How to test hormones and how to ensure their proper level in the body?

Metabolism, that is all chemical reactions and related energy transformations taking place in cells, depend on hormones. Hormones are called signaling molecules produced and secreted by the endocrine glands. The organ which coordinates the action of hormones is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus sends signals that regulate the secretion of hormones by the pituitary gland. In turn, the pituitary gland secretes hormones that directly affect the endocrine gland, e.g. the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries.

Hormones have different functions and most often affect several organs at the same time. They influence, among others. on blood glucose levels, adipose tissue content, as well as the nervous centers of hunger and satiety. During and after a meal, they instruct the body whether the food you eat is to be used as an energy source, stored as fat, or used for muscle building. Most hormones are closely related to each other, so dysregulation of one of them usually entails dysregulation of the others.

We suggest which hormones and how contribute to the formation of overweight (pre-obesity) and obesity.

Contents:

  1. Overweight and hormonal obesity - insulin
  2. Overweight and hormonal obesity - thyroid hormones: T3 and T4
  3. Overweight and hormonal obesity - adrenal hormones: cortisol and DHEA
  4. Overweight and hormonal obesity - estrogens and progesterone
  5. Overweight and hormonal obesity - testosterone
  6. Overweight and hormonal obesity - growth hormone
  7. Overweight and hormonal obesity - leptin
  8. Overweight and hormonal obesity - ghrelin

Overweight and hormonal obesity - insulin

Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and lowers excessively high blood glucose levels after a meal. The release of insulin into the bloodstream is stimulated by carbohydrates (especially simple ones), amino acids and fatty acids from food. Thanks to insulin, glucose is transported to the liver, where its excess is stored in the form of glycogen (a spare form of glucose) or is convertedinto fatty acids that are deposited in adipose tissue. In addition, insulin allows glucose to pass directly into the cells, which use it as an energy source. The greatest number of insulin receptors are found on fat cells, liver and skeletal muscle.

What affects insulin levels?

The cause of excess insulin (hyperinsulinemia) is frequent consumption of products with a high glycemic load, i.e. with a high content of simple carbohydrates, e.g. white bread and sweets. When consumed, glucose levels rise sharply (hyperglycemia) and insulin bursts in response. Then the pancreas produces more insulin, and if this cycle repeats over a long period of time, cells eventually begin to "ignore" the insulin and insulin resistance appears. In turn, insulin resistance increases insulin secretion even more. This creates a vicious circle of dependence, which very often accompanies obesity (especially abdominal and android type) and can lead to type 2 diabetes. In addition to eating habits, insulin levels are adversely affected by a sedentary lifestyle, too long intervals between meals, chronic stress and some medications, e.g. steroids. Very rarely the cause of excess insulin is caused by a cancer called insulinoma.

How do I test my insulin levels?

Insulin levels can be determined in the laboratory from blood, and the fasting value should be between 2.60-24.90 mIU / L, but preferably below 10 mIU / L. Insulin sensitivity can be assessed by measuring fasting glucose and insulin levels. Based on these two parameters, the HOMA index (HOMA-IR,Homeostatic model assessment ) or QUICKI ( Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index) is then calculated ).

Abnormal insulin level - what to do?

Too much insulin on an empty stomach may indicate insulin resistance and developing type 2 diabetes. Eat regular meals rich in dietary fiber (complex carbohydrates) as they are absorbed more slowly than simple carbohydrates and do not rapidly raise glucose and insulin levels in blood. Also play sports, as regular exercise will make your muscle cells more sensitive to insulin.

Action of the Pancreas and its diseases: acute pancreatitis, insulinoma, cystic fibrosis. LIVER DISEASES - symptoms of a diseased liver. Causes and Treatment

Overweight and hormonal obesity - thyroid hormones: T3 and T4

Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are hormones secreted by the thyroid gland and regulate the functions of most tissues in the body, influencing, among others, on protein metabolism,fats and carbohydrates, energy metabolism and activities of the peripheral nervous system. The thyroid gland produces mainly T3, which in the tissues produces several times more biologically active T4. Thyroid hormones are controlled by the pituitary hormone thyrotropin (TSH). When the amount of TSH increases, the levels of T3 and T4 decrease, and if the amount of TSH decreases, the levels of T3 and T4 increase.

What affects the level of thyroid hormones?

How much T3 and T4 is present in the body at any given time is influenced by diet, amount of physical activity, chronic stress, medications taken, pregnancy. Malfunction of the thyroid gland can be caused by autoimmune diseases, e.g. Hashimoto's disease, leading to hypothyroidism. Then the secretion of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland decreases, which increases the secretion of TSH by the pituitary gland. Untreated hypothyroidism can cause obesity, as low T3 and T4 levels result in a slower metabolism, and the accumulation of fat and water.

How to test thyroid hormone levels?

The diagnosis of thyroid function is based on the examination of the level of TSH, which is currently the most sensitive indicator of functional disorders of this organ. The level of fasting TSH is dependent on age and should be in the range of 0.3-4 mU / L in adults. However, it is believed that the values ​​above 2 mU / l with the co-occurring symptoms of hypothyroidism may already indicate disturbances in its functioning. The level of TSH is often determined together with the so-called free fractions of thyroid hormones - fT3 and fT4. From the point of view of weight problems, it is important to identify hypothyroidism (too high TSH level and too low fT3 and fT4), as it leads to weight gain.

Abnormal thyroid hormone levels - what to do?

Proper diet and exercise may not be enough to regain normal weight, so in most cases the endocrinologist will prescribe medications to normalize thyroid hormone levels.

Overweight and hormonal obesity - adrenal hormones: cortisol and DHEA

Cortisol is secreted by the cortex of the adrenal glands under the influence of stress. This hormone increases blood glucose levels by reducing insulin secretion and stimulating the release of glucose from glycogen in the liver. In addition, it makes it difficult to get rid of excess adipose tissue, because it inhibits lipolysis, i.e. the breakdown of adipose tissue into fatty acids and glycerol. It also reduces the sensitivity of cells to insulin, causing insulin resistance. In addition, cortisol weakens the immune system, increases blood pressure and speeds up breathing. All of this is for preparationthe body to a stressful situation.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is also secreted by the adrenal cortex. Sex hormones such as estrogens and testosterone are produced from it. Another name for DHEA is the "youth hormone" as its level is an indicator of a person's biological age. The appropriate level of DHEA has anti-inflammatory and antiatherosclerotic properties and activates the immune system, therefore its decrease may contribute to the development of diseases, including obesity.

What affects the level of adrenal hormones?

People with obesity have an increased breakdown of cortisol, which in turn forces the adrenal glands to produce more. The factor that maintains high cortisol levels is prolonged stress, taking steroids or, less commonly, a tumor of the adrenal gland. Excess cortisol causes Cushing's syndrome, a disease characterized by weight gain and obesity in which fatty tissue accumulates around the neck, body and face (called cushingoid obesity). Due to the fact that both cortisol and DHEA are produced from cholesterol, excess cortisol may interfere with the production of DHEA. This is especially the case during chronic stress, when there is a continuous release of cortisol by the adrenal glands at the expense of the production of DHEA, the level of which in the blood decreases. DHEA levels also drop gradually after the age of 25.

How do I test my adrenal hormone levels?

Cortisol and DHEA levels can be measured in a laboratory from blood, urine or saliva. The measurement is best done at several points during the day, because the secretion of cortisol and DHEA is the highest 30 minutes after waking up and gradually decreases until the evening.

Abnormal levels of adrenal hormones - what to do?

Physical activity and relaxation techniques can help reduce excess cortisol, which will also help to normalize low DHEA levels.

Overweight and hormonal obesity - estrogens and progesterone

Estrogens (estradiol, estrone and estriol) are mainly produced in the ovaries and in small amounts in the placenta and adipose tissue. Of the three main estrogens in a woman's body, estradiol helps maintain a he althy body weight. During adolescence, estrogens in women are responsible for increasing the amount of body fat. Estradiol causes fatty tissue to accumulate around the hips and buttocks. However, this fat has a beneficial effect on the insulin response as opposed to fat stored around the abdomen (visceral fat). During the menopause, estrogen levels drop sharply, which causes an increase in the weight of visceral fat. The consequence of this is an increase in resistance toinsulin.

Progesterone is produced in the ovaries mainly by the corpus luteum and the placenta during pregnancy. It helps to maintain the proper level of estrogen and stabilizes blood glucose levels. Therefore, women with low levels of progesterone (estrogen predominant) may experience fluctuations in blood insulin and problems with maintaining a he althy body weight.

The right balance between estrogen and progesterone is crucial in maintaining a he althy body weight in women.

How to test estrogen and progesterone levels?

You can test your estrogen and progesterone levels from your blood. Laboratory norms for these hormones depend on age, gender, and stage of the menstrual cycle.

What affects estrogen and progesterone levels?

The level of estradiol decreases in the menopausal period, which is associated with the decline in the activity of the ovaries. The main estrogen becomes estrone, which causes the movement of fatty tissue from the hip and buttocks area to the abdomen. On the other hand, excess estrogens can be associated with chronic stress, eating too much processed foods and sugar, and exposure to xenoestrogens, which are chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogens, such as bisphenol A, found in plastic food packaging. The cause of too high estrogen levels is also excess body fat.

Abnormal levels of estrogen and progesterone - what to do?

Eat foods rich in dietary fiber to help remove excess estrogen from your body. Also drink green tea that lowers estrone levels. Limit alcohol and caffeine as they increase estrogen levels. Give up chemical cleaning agents in favor of natural ones (e.g. soda). Store food in glass, not plastic.

Overweight and hormonal obesity - testosterone

Testosterone is the primary male hormone produced by the testes and also in small amounts by the adrenal cortex and ovaries in women. During puberty, testosterone in men reduces fat mass and increases muscle mass. Low testosterone, which progresses with age in men, causes visceral fat to accumulate, which adversely affects the insulin response and accompanies the metabolic syndrome.

What affects testosterone levels?

Excess testosterone (and other androgens) in women may accompany, for example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO). People with PCO are characterized by, among others, insulin resistance and abdominal obesity. In men, on a declinetestosterone affects older age, low physical activity and obesity.

How do I test my testosterone levels?

Testosterone levels are tested from the blood. Laboratory norms for total testosterone depend on the sex and for men are: 12-40 nmol / l; for women: 1-2.5 nmol / l.

Abnormal testosterone level - what to do?

Play sports as it helps to naturally increase testosterone levels. Take care of the right amount of mono- and polyunsaturated acids, fats and proteins, B vitamins and vitamin E, elements (zinc, chromium, magnesium), which are necessary for the production of androgens. Do not experiment with hormonal preparations without consulting your doctor.

Overweight and hormonal obesity - growth hormone

Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and influences body mass composition by stimulating lipolysis and increasing protein synthesis and increasing muscle mass, which increases the resting metabolic rate. In addition, just like insulin, it affects the carbohydrate metabolism. With the difference that insulin is the main hormone involved in metabolism after a meal, growth hormone plays a key role in the period between meals and during fasting. In people with obesity, the secretion of growth hormone is inhibited and its deficiency, among others. due to elevated levels of fatty acids in the blood and adaptation to insulin resistance. Growth hormone deficiency in children causes pituitary dwarfism, while in adults it adversely affects body weight composition. Too little of this hormone causes the accumulation of adipose tissue, especially in the abdominal area, a reduction in muscle mass and an increase in blood lipids.

What affects GH levels?

Growth hormone levels physiologically decline with age. Eating too much simple carbohydrates, insufficient sleep (the greatest release of growth hormone occurs in the deepest, fourth stage of sleep), low physical activity, chronic stress, high levels of cortisol and progesterone further reduce its levels.

How to test the level of growth hormone?

Due to the fact that the level of growth hormone is influenced by various factors and that it is secreted by the pituitary gland in pulses, a one-time blood test of this hormone may not be reliable.

Abnormal growth hormone levels - what to do?

Exercise is the best way to increase your growth hormone levels. During exercise, growth hormone stimulates lipolysis, which allows you to burn fat and keep blood glucose levels stable. Also take care of rest and debtdream.

Overweight and hormonal obesity - leptin

Leptin, or the "satiety hormone", is produced mainly by the fatty tissue under the skin. In smaller amounts, leptin is formed in the placenta, gastric and small intestine mucosa, liver, and skeletal muscles. Leptin affects the hypothalamus, where the leptin receptors are located, inducing a feeling of fullness, which signals the body to stop eating. Disturbance of the leptic signal due to its too low level or lack of receptor sensitivity to its effects, cause the lack of satiety and excessive supply of food. High leptin levels are seen in overweight and obese people. Long-term elevation of leptin in the blood can lead to the phenomenon of leptin resistance, i.e. a state in which leptin receptors stop recognizing it. This mechanism is analogous to that of insulin resistance. Excessive leptin concentration may lead to the development of insulin resistance and, consequently, type 2 diabetes.

What affects leptin levels?

The amount of leptin in the blood is proportional to the amount of adipose tissue in the body, but in women it is 2-3 times higher than in men. This is due to the fact that women have a higher concentration of subcutaneous fat, not visceral fat, and a higher concentration of estrogens, which stimulate the secretion of leptin. The increase in leptin is also caused by pregnancy (secretion of leptin by the placenta), time of day (the highest level is observed between 24.00 and 02.00) and the menstrual cycle (it increases during ovulation and is raised in the luteal phase). On the other hand, the decrease in leptin is caused by androgens, the time of day (the lowest level is observed between 8.00 and 9.00), the menstrual cycle (in the follicular phase, the concentration of leptin decreases), insufficient sleep, chronic stress, a diet rich in simple carbohydrates and trans fats, weight loss (reduction adipose tissue), rare genetic mutations in the LEP gene encoding leptin.

How to test the level of leptin?

Blood leptin testing is not routinely requested as its clinical utility has yet to be established. Nevertheless, its determination can be performed in obese patients with symptoms of chronic hunger, in obese children with a family history of childhood obesity, and in the assessment of reproductive functions and causes of menstrual disorders in obese people (leptin affects the level of sex hormones). The test is performed in the morning on an empty stomach. Laboratory norms for men are: 1 - 5 ng / dL; for women it is: 7 - 13 ng / dl. However, due to the influence of various factors on the level of leptin, the patient's result should be interpreted individually.

Abnormal leptin level - what to do?

What if the leptin level is abnormal? The source of excess leptin is too much body fat, so when you lose weight (lose weight) your body will become more sensitive to leptin and will tell you when to finish your meal. Try to sleep 7-8 hours a day, eat regular meals and do not starve yourself.

Overweight and hormonal obesity - ghrelin

Ghrelin is called the "hunger hormone" and together with leptin it is responsible for the balance between hunger and satiety. When the body becomes hungry or when you think about food, the endocrine cells of the stomach secrete ghrelin which, like leptin, goes to the hypothalamus and binds to ghrelin receptors. Then, neuropeptide Y is activated, which stimulates the appetite and makes you feel hungry. After a meal, ghrelin levels drop and you feel full. Ghrelin negatively correlates with blood glucose and insulin levels.

High levels of ghrelin are found in people with a low BMI, on a reduction diet, suffering from anorexia, bulimia and cancer. Excess ghrelin causes bouts of overeating. It has also been noticed that during and after the reduction diet, the level of ghrelin increases, stimulating the appetite, which may favor the yo-yo effect.

What affects ghrelin levels?

Increase in ghrelin levels is caused by: the use of restrictive diets, sleeping less than 8 hours a day, too long breaks between meals, chronic stress (as a result of high cortisol levels), and excessive fat consumption and insufficient proteins and carbohydrates. Elevated levels of ghrelin also occur in Prader-Willi syndrome, which is characterized by genetically determined excessive appetite and obesity. The drop in ghrelin levels is caused by: eating a meal, infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, regular physical activity.

How to test ghrelin levels?

Blood ghrelin testing is not routinely requested as its clinical usefulness has yet to be established.

Abnormal ghrelin level - what to do?

The signal about satisfying the feeling of hunger reaches the brain about 20 minutes after starting the meal, and about 90 minutes after eating the meal, the ghrelin level begins to decrease. Therefore, eating slowly, chewing food thoroughly, and ending the meal when you are still hungry prevents overeating. Regular physical activity also helps to lower ghrelin levels and prevents hunger pangs.

How to take care of the correct levels of "obesity hormones"?
  • Get some sleep! Sleep doesbeneficial for the hormonal balance and allows you to maintain a he althy body weight - during deep sleep it produces, among others. growth hormone and leptin.
  • Do sports regularly! This will increase the sensitivity of your cells to leptin and insulin, lower your cortisol levels and increase your growth hormone levels.
  • Make sure you have the right proportion of carbohydrates, protein and fat in your diet, i.e. 40%, 30% and 30%, respectively. A balanced diet rich in fiber and low in simple carbohydrates, as well as meals at regular intervals, will prevent glucose fluctuations and sudden insulin surges.
  • Remove from menu: saturated fat, processed grains, artificial sweeteners, colors and preservatives, glutamates.
  • Restrict in your diet: starchy vegetables, tropical fruits, dried and canned fruits, soybeans, alcohol, caffeine, full-fat dairy products, fatty meats, canned food.
  • Introduce to your diet: legumes, garlic family vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, berries, multi-colored fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, dairy products, whole grains, meat and eggs.
  • Eat breakfast! And consume subsequent meals every 4 hours. Do not eat 2-3 hours before bedtime.
  • Eat until you are full, but don't overeat.
  • Avoid chronic stress, because elevated cortisol levels disrupt the work of most "obesity hormones".

References:

1. Polińska B et al.Role of ghrelin in the body . Postepy Hig Med Dosw, 2011; 65, 1-7.2. Tatoń J .:Insulin resistance: pathophysiology and clinic . Diabetology. PZWL Warsaw 2001, 176-185. 3. Demissie M. and Milewicz A.Hormonal disorders in obesity . Practical Diabetology 2003, 4, 3, 207-209. 4. Salvatori R.Growth hormone deficiency in patients with obesity . Endocrine. 2015, 49, 2, 304-6. 5.Internal diseasesedited by Szczeklik A., Medycyna Praktyczna Kraków 2005 6.Laboratory diagnostics with elements of clinical biochemistry. Handbook for medical studentsedited by Dembińska-Kieć A. and Naskalski J.W., Elsevier Urban & Partner Wydawnictwo Wrocław 2009, 3rd edition 7. http: //www.labtestsonline.pl

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