561-626-3205  8295 N. Military Trail Suite G Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Home > Services > Hormones & Fat

Hormones & Fat

Understanding the Hormone-Fat Connection

At Hormone Correction, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to address hormone-related fat concerns.

Unlocking the Connection Between Hormones and Fat: Achieve Optimal Body Composition

At Hormone Correction, we recognize the profound impact that hormones have on your body composition and overall well-being. Hormonal imbalances can disrupt your body’s natural ability to regulate fat storage, leading to weight gain or difficulties in achieving your desired body composition. Our specialized services focus on understanding and addressing the connection between hormones and fat, empowering you to achieve optimal body composition and improve your overall health.

Understanding the Hormone-Fat Connection

Hormones act as chemical messengers in your body, influencing various functions, including metabolism, appetite, and fat storage. When hormones are in balance, your body can efficiently utilize and distribute fat, maintaining a healthy body composition. However, imbalances in hormones such as insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, estrogen, testosterone, melatonin, and DHEA can disrupt this delicate balance and contribute to fat accumulation in specific areas of the body.

As we age, the accumulation of fat in our bodies becomes increasingly evident, making obesity a common manifestation of the aging process. However, fat serves several important functions within the body, acting as a shock absorber, energy storage, carrier of fat-soluble vitamins, and participant in various bodily reactions.

Recent discoveries have revealed that fat, particularly abdominal fat, is an active organ that produces bioactive substances such as leptin, a hormone responsible for satiety. Moreover, fat actively converts testosterone into estrogen, emphasizing its significance in hormonal balance.

It is crucial to recognize that weight loss is not solely determined by diet and exercise. Hormones play a vital role in fat metabolism, and an imbalance in hormone levels often leads to excess fat accumulation. Therefore, hormone balancing is essential for individuals seeking to lose weight.

Additionally, it is important to note that hormones promoting fat accumulation tend to increase as the body ages, while hormones associated with fat loss decline.

Key Hormones and their Relation to Fat Accumulation and Weight Gain:

Thyroid Hormone:

This hormone enhances the body’s metabolic rate and energy production. Insufficient levels of thyroid hormone result in decreased calorie utilization due to reduced body temperature, leading to difficulties in weight loss. Conversely, elevated thyroid levels can hinder weight gain even with increased food intake. Thyroid hormone levels naturally decline with age and can be influenced by factors such as iodine and selenium deficiency, cortisol (stress hormone), estradiol (female hormone), and supported by progesterone, melatonin, and growth hormone.

Cortisol:

Released in response to stress, cortisol significantly contributes to fat accumulation. Increased cortisol levels promote the storage of fat in the abdomen, upper body, and face while causing muscle and leg thinning. Cortisol also raises blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and its levels tend to increase with age.

Insulin:

This hormone plays a crucial role in allowing sugars to enter muscle cells and serve as an energy source. Chronic elevation of insulin levels, often resulting from decreased physical activity and a high-carbohydrate diet, can lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance precedes the development of Type 2 diabetes and is closely associated with metabolic syndrome or Syndrome X.

 

Growth Hormone:

Linked closely to obesity, growth hormone is released in the body when blood sugar levels decline, primarily during sleep. It facilitates the release of fatty acids into the bloodstream from fat stores, which serve as a preferred energy source for muscles. Insufficient growth hormone levels lead to overall fat accumulation, particularly on the inner sides of the knees.

Testosterone:

Primarily a male hormone, testosterone is present in small quantities in females. Among its various functions, testosterone is crucial for maintaining and increasing muscle mass. Muscles act as major consumers of fat for energy production. Low testosterone levels contribute to fat accumulation in the abdomen, breasts, and thighs, resulting in an “eunuchoid” appearance.

Estradiol:

As the primary female hormone, excess estradiol, when unopposed by progesterone and testosterone, contributes to increased fat accumulation in the thighs, lower abdomen, and breasts.

Semaglutide:

Semaglutide is a peptide that was used previously to treat diabetes under trade names Ozempic and Wegowy. Recently we started to use Semaglutide as weight loss medication with high level of success. Semaglutide decreases appetite without increasing heart rate and blood pressure, unwanted side effects of Phentermine-like drugs. Semaglutide not only decreases appetite, it also slows food passage through stomach drastically decreasing amount of food needed to achieve satiety. This actions result in fast weight loss. Important feature of Semaglutide is that it can be used long-term, in contrast with phentermine.

Benefits of Hormone-Related Fat Management

By addressing hormonal imbalances and optimizing hormone levels, you can experience a range of benefits, including:

  • Improved fat distribution and body composition
  • Enhanced metabolism and fat-burning efficiency
  • Increased energy and vitality
  • Improved appetite control and cravings management
  • Better stress management and hormonal resilience
  • Enhanced overall well-being and self-confidence

If you have struggled with achieving your desired body composition or experienced difficulties in managing fat distribution, Hormone Correction is here to help. Dr. Mikhail Berman and our dedicated team are committed to understanding the connection between hormones and fat and developing personalized treatment plans to support your goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on a transformative journey towards achieving optimal body composition and improved well

Picture of Dr. Mikhail Berman Hormone Specialist Palm Beach Gardens FL

Frequently Asked Questions

How do hormones affect fat accumulation in the body?

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating fat storage and metabolism. Imbalances in hormones such as insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, estrogen, testosterone, growth hormone, and others can contribute to fat accumulation in specific areas of the body.

Can hormonal imbalances lead to weight gain?

Yes, hormonal imbalances can disrupt the body’s natural fat metabolism, leading to weight gain. For example, imbalances in cortisol, insulin, or estrogen can promote fat storage, especially in the abdomen, while low levels of thyroid hormone or testosterone can contribute to weight gain and difficulties in losing weight.

Does cortisol play a role in fat accumulation?

Yes, cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, can contribute to fat accumulation. Elevated cortisol levels, which can occur due to chronic stress, promote the storage of fat in the abdomen, upper body, and face while causing muscle wasting in the legs.

Can insulin affect fat storage?

Insulin is responsible for allowing sugars to enter muscle cells and be used as an energy source. When insulin levels are chronically high, such as in cases of insulin resistance, the body becomes less sensitive to its effects, leading to increased fat storage and weight gain.

 If you are experiencing unexplained weight gain or difficulties in losing weight despite a healthy diet and exercise, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional specializing in hormone health. They can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and conduct hormone testing to determine if hormonal imbalances are contributing to your weight concerns.

Serving Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin Counties

Dr. Mikhail Berman is a fully trained medical doctor that has studied the human body, its systems and how to heal them, for over 30 years. Schedule an appointment today to start your journey.