Weight Loss Difficult? It Could Be 9 Hormones That Play a Role

Illustration of hormones that play a heavy role in weight loss (Freepik/KamranAydinov)

YOGYAKARTA - Difficult weight loss often frustrates, especially when you've tried to regulate your diet and exercise routine. However, the fact is, hormonal balance and weight have a very close relationship. Hormones help regulate hunger, satiety, metabolism, blood sugar levels, and fat storage in the body. When hormonal balance is disrupted, the process of maintaining or losing weight can be more challenging.

1. Insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to help the body's cells use glucose as an energy source. If the body is resistant to insulin, blood sugar levels can increase and the body tends to store more fat. This condition can also make weight loss more difficult. To help maintain insulin balance, you can limit the consumption of added sugar, increase fiber, and regularly do physical activity.

2. Leptin

Leptin is known as a hormone that signals fullness to the brain. When leptin levels work well, the body can recognize when energy needs have been met. However, some people can experience leptin resistance so that the brain does not respond optimally to fullness signals. Citing Healthline, Friday, June 12, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious foods can help support leptin function.

Illustration of hormonal balance and weight loss is difficult (Freepik/studioredcup)3. Ghrelin

Ghrelin is often referred to as the hunger hormone because its levels increase when the stomach is empty. This hormone signals the brain that the body needs food. Lack of sleep and irregular eating patterns can increase ghrelin levels so that hunger appears more often. Consuming enough protein and maintaining a consistent eating schedule can help control this hormone.

4. Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone that the body releases when faced with stress. In normal amounts, this hormone has an important role in various body functions. However, persistently high cortisol levels can increase appetite and encourage fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area. Managing stress through exercise, meditation, or relaxation activities can help maintain cortisol balance.

5. Estrogen

Estrogen plays an important role in various body functions, especially in women. Changes in estrogen levels, such as those that occur before menopause, can affect fat distribution and body metabolism. This hormonal imbalance can also contribute to weight gain in some people. Living a healthy and active lifestyle can help the body adapt to these hormonal changes.

Illustration of hormones that play a heavy role in weight loss (Freepik/rawpixel.com)6. Neuropeptide Y (NPY)

Neuropeptide Y or NPY is a hormone and neurotransmitter that can increase appetite. Its production tends to increase when the body is stressed or energy deficient. High levels of NPY can encourage a person to eat more food and potentially increase fat storage. Therefore, stress management and balanced eating patterns are important to help control this hormone.

7. GLP-1

GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the intestine after eating. This hormone helps increase satiety, slow gastric emptying, and support blood sugar regulation. GLP-1 production can be influenced by diet, especially protein and fiber intake. Eating a balanced nutritious diet can help support the function of this hormone naturally.

8. Cholecystokinin (CCK)

CCK is a digestive hormone that is released after you eat, especially when you eat healthy proteins and fats. This hormone helps send fullness signals to the brain so that it can reduce the desire to overeat. In addition, CCK also plays a role in the process of digesting food. Ensuring adequate protein intake can help increase this hormone response.

9. Peptide YY (PYY)

PYY is another hormone produced by the digestive tract after eating. Its function is to help reduce appetite and increase satiety. PYY levels usually increase after eating foods rich in protein and fiber. Therefore, a balanced diet can help support the production of this hormone and make it easier to manage weight.

Maintaining hormonal balance and body weight is not only about reducing the amount of food consumed. Various hormones, from insulin, leptin, ghrelin, to digestive hormones, work together to regulate hunger, fullness, metabolism, and energy storage. With enough sleep, managing stress, regular exercise, and eating nutritious foods, you can help maintain hormonal balance so that weight management becomes more optimal.