Is hormonal fat hard to lose?
Hormones that affect fat storage and weight loss
Our bodies produce a number of hormones, each with unique functions that keep us healthy. If certain hormones have higher than normal levels, losing weight can be much harder. Some of the most important hormones for losing stubborn fat are estrogen and leptin.
Before you rush to your doctor to get a prescription for your hormonal belly, there are natural ways to readjust your levels. Reducing sugar intake, eliminating processed foods from your diet, and avoiding things like dairy, alcohol, and caffeine can all help reset your blood sugar and insulin levels.
- You feel less satiated after eating. ...
- You're always stressed. ...
- Your weight gain is only in your abdomen. ...
- You're craving sugar. ...
- You're hungry all the time. ...
- You're losing your hair.
While body weight and fat are distributed equally in weight gain due to excess caloric intake, people with hormonal weight gain usually notice increased weight around specific body parts, such as the waist, arms, thighs, chest, and lower body.
Sometimes hormones can be the culprit for excess belly fat. As we age or experience lifestyle changes, our hormone levels can fluctuate due to several factors, such as menopause or high stress levels, resulting in a hormonal belly.
- Eat plenty of protein at every meal. Eating food can temporarily increase your metabolism for a few hours. ...
- Drink more water. ...
- Do a high intensity workout. ...
- Lift heavy things. ...
- Stand up more. ...
- Drink green tea or oolong tea. ...
- Eat spicy foods. ...
- Get a good night's sleep.
Lemon water and other infused waters are the best natural drinks for hormone balance. They improve your skin, control your appetite, regulate your blood sugar levels, and boost your overall immunity. Green tea and matcha latte are two of the best green drinks with hormone-balancing properties.
Leptin is made by the adipose tissue (fat-storing cells) in your body. Its main role is to regulate fat storage and how many calories you eat and burn. Leptin released from adipose cells travels to the brain via the bloodstream. It acts on the hypothalamus in the brain, which regulates hormones in your body1.
This is the group I refer to as "the fat-loss six": thyroid hormones, adrenaline, glucagon, adiponectin, the androgenic hormones (DHEA and testosterone) and the growth and rejuvenation hormones (growth hormone and acetylcholine).
You can reduce cortisol belly fat by reducing your cortisol levels. Do this by reducing your stress, getting enough sleep, and living in sync with your circadian rhythm. Caffeine and high-intensity exercise can also contribute to high cortisol levels.
Why does all my fat go to my stomach?
Causes include poor diet, lack of exercise, and short or low-quality sleep. A healthy diet and active lifestyle can help people lose excess belly fat and lower the risk of problems associated with it.
Start with a mix of moderate and vigorous exercise to burn off menopausal weight gain. Your routine should include aerobic exercises like swimming, walking, bicycling, and running, as well as resistance or strength training. “What you want to employ now is high-intensity interval training (HIIT),” Dr. Peeke says.

The changes with age in the sex hormone levels of both men and women are associated with changes in body fat distribution. While women of childbearing age tend to store fat in their lower body ('pear-shaped'), older men and postmenopausal women tend to increase storage of fat around their abdomen ('apple-shaped').
A hormonal imbalance called Cushing Syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol levels and may cause weight gain, especially in the chest, stomach, and face.
- Get enough protein. Proteins provide amino acids that your body cannot make on its own and are needed to produce peptide hormones. ...
- Exercise regularly. ...
- Maintain a moderate weight. ...
- Watch your gut health. ...
- Lower sugar intake. ...
- Reduce stress. ...
- Get enough sleep. ...
- Eat healthy fats.
If you're consuming too few calories your body essentially goes into starvation mode and receives the message that it needs to protect itself. This means holding onto weight for protection's sake. The body perceives reduced calorie intake as a stressor.
The hormone diet eliminates meat, alcohol, high fructose fruit, gluten grains, and dairy to restore hormonal imbalances. Organic eggs, lean meats, gluten-free grains, cold-water fish, and some vegetables are permitted.
Because estrogen affects how your body distributes fat, low estrogen levels can contribute to gaining fat in your belly area. However, estrogen replacement therapy can help your body redistribute this fat to different areas on your body, rather than your abdominal area.
Supplements to increase metabolism
B-complex vitamins: These help metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, activating stored energy instead of letting it turn to fat. Niacin, vitamin B-6, and iron: This impressive trio increases your body's production of the amino acid L-carnitine to help burn fat.
Beverages like green tea, coffee and high-protein drinks have been shown to boost metabolism, promote fullness and decrease hunger, all of which may encourage weight loss.
What is a natural metabolism booster?
As part of a balanced diet, replacing some carbs with lean, protein-rich foods can boost metabolism at mealtime. Good sources of protein include lean beef, turkey, fish, white meat chicken, tofu, nuts, beans, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.
Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are all hormone balancing foods packed with great nutrients. Berries are rich sources of vitamin C, which regulates your progesterone levels, particularly during the luteal (PMS) phase of your cycle [1].
So, in drinking a shot of apple cider vinegar you're actually giving your body what it needs to make hormones – addressing any imbalances between estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Apple cider vinegar balances your blood sugar, preventing blood sugar soars and crashes and supporting healthy, consistent ovulation.
Plus, according to Natural Health Magazine, scientist found that just a whiff of lemon can boost your feel-good hormones and reduce stress levels. Drinking water also helps in this area, as dehydration can drain your body's energy and make you feel sluggish.
- Berries. Replace sugary treats with fruit in its natural form. ...
- Unsweetened Beverages. ...
- Healthy Oils. ...
- Vegetables. ...
- Legumes. ...
- Lean Meat, Poultry, and Fish. ...
- Whole Grains. ...
- Salad Greens.