Have you seen the kids’ movie, Madagascar? Wiil.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas singing, “I like ‘em big…” How can we not get behind that beat? Moto Moto celebrates a voluptuous figure in this fictional movie, but in reality, some people are extremely uncomfortable with weight gain. Their discomfort is emotional, physical, and psychological, which stresses them out. That stress then begins a vicious cycle – one in which you’re stressed because you’ve gained weight, but in which the stress creates physiological reactions that…wait for it…cause you to gain weight.
If you’re curious about the connection between stress and weight gain, keep reading.
What Happens to Our Bodies?
Life in the 21st century is stressful. The last couple of years have been particularly stressful as we navigate the complexity of global pandemic, fluctuating economy, and social change. When our bodies are under stress, our brains go into “fight or flight” mode. When we were more primitive people, this stress reaction enabled us to protect ourselves as we fought with, or attempted to flee from, a threat. As our lives have become more complex, we often find ourselves trying to navigate a level of stress that was really intended to enable survival, but which has now become chronic. This stress affects our hormones and can cause weight gain.
There are several hormones that may cause difficulty managing weight:
- Cortisol
- Testosterone
- Thyroid
- Hormonal changes related to menopause
When we are chronically stressed, our bodies are constantly flooded with cortisol, a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands (little triangles at the top of the kidneys). One of the functions of cortisol is stimulating the appetite, which can cause us to overeat during times of stress.
In addition to excess cortisol production, your body may be reacting to other hormonal imbalances like a testosterone deficiency that hinders the body’s efforts in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Thyroid disorders can also slow your metabolism, which, in turn, causes weight gain.
What Can We do?
One of the most important things we can do is manage our stress levels. Stress reducing activities might include:
- Talking a walk
- Reading a book
- Meditation
- Beginning a gratitude journal
- Spending time with friends and family
- Participating in a hobby
- Say no to a commitment
Although there are numerous ways to manage stress that are ultimately beneficial to you, there are also interventions including peptide therapy and medication that can be invaluable in creating sustainable weight loss.
How APEX Hormone Health Can Help
For those in Colorado and New Mexico, APEX Hormone Health is available for telehealth consultations for weight management. We can help with weight management through a variety of strategies. We may utilize:
- Hormone optimization
- Weight loss peptides
- Medication-assisted weight loss with an FDA approved medication
- Biweekly telehealth check-in
- Coaching and counseling on food and exercise
- A monthly supply of FDA approved medication or weight loss peptides sent directly to your home
Why APEX Hormone Health?
APEX Hormone Health is committed to your healing and wellness. We are highly trained medical professionals committed to helping you through a comprehensive and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Our goal is to create a weight loss plan that will actually help you lose weight. We want to help you lose weight and optimize your health. Call or Text: 720-856-0200 or email us at info@apexhormonehealth.com so we can support your success!
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Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
