Overcoming Resistant Weight: Understanding Hormonal Imbalances

Insulin Resistance:

Similar to cortisol, elevated insulin causes weight gain as it prompts our body to convert
sugar into fat. Our muscles use this sugar as energy, and if they don’t, our body will
store it instead. The more sugar we consume, the more insulin our body produces,
leading to insulin resistance. A good way to overcome this is to eat a low-sugar diet,
including complex carbohydrates like whole grains or sweet potatoes.

Elevated Leptin:

Leptin is a hormone that plays a role in hunger and food intake. When we overproduce
leptin, our body becomes resistant to its activity, much like insulin resistance. We may
experience constant cravings and feel hungry even when we’ve eaten enough. To
manage this, we need to focus on whole foods and reduce processed and high-fat
foods. We should also aim to exercise regularly, as exercise increases leptin sensitivity.

‘Estrogen Dominance’:

Estrogen dominance is a common hormonal imbalance in women, where progesterone
levels decrease, and estrogen levels increase relative to each other. This hormonal shift
influences fat deposits, thyroid hormone function, insulin levels, and leptin function, all
contributing to weight gain/resistant weight loss. To overcome this, we need to focus on
foods that support the liver, as the liver is responsible for metabolizing estrogen.
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale can help, as well as herbs like milk thistle.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid hormone influences our metabolism, and low levels of thyroid hormones T3
and T4 slow everything down, causing weight gain. It also causes salt and fluid
retention. To manage this, we must ensure we’re getting enough iodine, as iodine is
essential for thyroid hormone production. Sea vegetables like kelp and seaweed are
excellent sources of iodine, as well as organic eggs, dairy, and meat.

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