Studies have found that hormones can influence your appetite and how much fat you store. Insulin, leptin, ghrelin, and cortisol can affect your weight.
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Insulin
Insulin is produced by the beta cells of pancreas. High insulin levels can cause obesity, diabetes. Sugary foods, refined carbs & junk food can raise insulin levels.
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Insulin control
Insulin stores fat and prevents it from breaking down. Avoid sugar, refined carbs, eat protein & foods with good fat, exercise regularly to manage insulin.
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Ghrelin
When your stomach is empty, it releases ghrelin or the hunger hormone. Ghrelin levels are highest before eating and lowest after one hour of having a meal.
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Ghrelin control
Fasting ghrelin levels can be low in obese, overweight people. Avoid sugar in all forms, eat protein-rich meals, especially for breakfast, to manage ghrelin levels.
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Cortisol
High levels of cortisol or stress hormone can cause weight gain. Women with extra weight in the midsection respond to stress with an increase in cortisol.
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Cortisol control
Meditation, exercise, listening to music, consuming a balanced diet and sleeping well on a regular basis can help in regularising production of cortisol.
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Glucagon
Glucagon stabilises blood sugar levels, promotes feeling of fullness. Protein foods, leafy green veggies and probiotics can boost glucagon levels.
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Oestrogen
Age, different stages during menstrual cycle can influence oestrogen production. Exercise, fibrous foods, cruciferous veggies and flaxseeds can be helpful.