No single hormone solely controls weight. Instead, a complex interplay of several hormones regulates appetite, metabolism, and fat storage, influencing overall weight. Several key players include:
Key Hormones Involved in Weight Regulation
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Leptin: Produced by fat cells, leptin signals the brain about energy stores. High leptin levels signal satiety (fullness), reducing appetite. Conversely, low leptin levels signal hunger. Leptin resistance, where the brain becomes less sensitive to leptin's signal, can lead to overeating and weight gain. [Source: Leptin and appetite; Leptin: What It Is, Function & Levels]
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Ghrelin: Often called the "hunger hormone," ghrelin stimulates appetite. Levels rise before meals and fall afterward, playing a role in short-term appetite regulation. [Source: Ghrelin Hormone: Function and Definition]
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Insulin: Produced by the pancreas, insulin regulates blood sugar and plays a crucial role in metabolism and fat storage. High insulin levels, often associated with high carbohydrate diets, can promote fat storage and weight gain. [Source: Obesity and hormones - Better Health Channel; Hormones And Weight Gain: How To Fix The Hormones That ... ]
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Cortisol: A stress hormone, cortisol influences metabolism and appetite. Chronically high cortisol levels, often due to chronic stress, can lead to increased appetite, fat storage, and weight gain. [Source: 9 Hormones That Affect Weight — and How to Improve Them; A Review of Weight Control Strategies and Their Effects on the ...; Timing of stress-hormone pulses controls weight gain | News Center ...]
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Thyroid hormones: These hormones regulate metabolism. Imbalances (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can significantly impact weight, causing weight gain or loss. [Source: Thyroid Hormone Regulation of Metabolism - PMC]
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Other peptides and hormones: Several other hormones and peptides contribute to appetite and satiety regulation, including cholecystokinin. Any imbalance in these hormonal signals can affect weight management. [Source: Physiology, Obesity Neurohormonal Appetite And Satiety Control ...]
For women, estrogen plays a role in regulating metabolism and body weight. Changes in estrogen levels, such as those occurring during menopause, can affect weight. [Source: Hormonal Weight Gain | Endocrinology Consultants | Englewood, NJ]
In summary, weight regulation is a complex process involving multiple hormonal systems working together. Understanding these interactions is crucial for effective weight management strategies.
