How To Tell If Your Weight Gain Is Hormonal

Ever stood in front of the mirror wondering why your jeans suddenly feel like they’re plotting against you? If you’ve noticed lower abdominal weight gain, even when you’re making a real effort to live healthily, the culprit might be an unbalanced hormone party. Whilst Instagram influencers swear they beat hormonal belly with a green juice and a 30 minute pilates session, for many of us, it’s not that easy to handle. Let’s break down how to spot hormonal weight gain, and what to do about it.

The “Is It Hormonal?” Checklist 

Before you spiral into a WebMD rabbit hole, let’s look at some tell-tale signs that your hormones are crashing your weight goals: 

Suddenly sporting a muffin top, or spotted belly fat that hasn’t been there before? Are you noticing weight gain primarily in your hips and things? Hormonal weight gain tends to appear in certain areas which can help to identify it. For instance, oestrogen tends to party in your hips and thighs, while cortisol (your stress hormone) is all about that belly action. Hormonal belly fat is also known as visceral body fat, and isn’t usually visible from the outside of your body. However, it can cause uncomfortable bloating.

Your weight gain might be hormonal if: 

• It seems to have appeared overnight 
• It’s resistant to your usual healthy habits 

It’s coinciding with other life changes or situations e.g. perimenopause, postpartum, new birth control and stress

Hormones Which Can Cause Weight Gain

• Oestrogen: the queen bee of female sex hormones can cause water retention (hello bloating!), increased fat storage in hips and things, and changes in appetite. 
  
  
• Cortisol: this stress hormone lives its best life when you’re up against it. High levels of cortisol can mean your body holds onto belly fat like it’s going out of fashion, you might experience crazy sugar cravings, and difficulties sleeping. 
  
  
• Thyroid: the thyroid is responsible for producing hormones which regulate your metabolism (the process of changing food into energy). An underactive thyroid can cause your metabolism to slow down, making you feel tired ALL. THE. TIME. It can also cause sugar cravings, meaning you’re more likely to reach for sweet treats.
  
  
• Insulin: produced in the pancreas, insulin is an essential hormone for regulating blood glucose levels. Insulin promotes the storage of glucose in the body for later use. However, if your cells become resistant to insulin (which leads to elevated blood glucose levels, over time, type 2 diabetes), it becomes a pro at storing fat, you get hangry more often, and your energy levels go on a rollercoaster ride.

How To Figure Out If It’s NOT Just Regular Weight Gain

Regular weight gain usually: 

• Happens gradually 
• Is distributed more evenly across your body 
• Responds to changes in diet and exercise 
  
  

Hormonal weight gain, on the other hand: 

• Can feel sudden and mysterious 
• Clusters in specific areas 
• Sticks around despite your best efforts 
• Often comes with other symptoms (mood swings, fatigue, skin changes) 
  

What Can You Actually Do About Hormonal Belly?

Start a body diary, and note things such as: when you notice changes, other symptoms that pop up, your cycle dates, stress levels, and sleep quality. 

Speak with your GP or healthcare provider, and discuss your symptoms with them. They may test your hormone levels, thyroid function, or blood sugar. 

• Prioritise your sleep. Getting plenty of shut-eye helps keep hunger hormones (ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry and leptin which tells you you’re full) in check and reduce the chances of overeating.
• Manage stress (meditation, yoga, or just saying “no” more often). Higher cortisol levels are associated with elevated levels of visceral fat, so taking time to protect your peace can reduce levels of this hormone and weight gain.
• Exercise smartly (intense cardio isn’t always the answer). Focus on exercise which works your core strength and helps to balance hormones, such as Pilates. Bonus: it can also help reduce stress, too.
• Consider hormone-supporting foods. Make sure you’re eating the rainbow AKA  balanced diet which helps with hormone harmony. Plenty of cruciferous vegetables such as rocket, broccoli and kale, good fats such as avocado and olive oil and quality protein including tofu and lean meats.

 

Can GLP-1 Medication Help PCOS-Related Hormonal Weight Gain?

For some people, lifestyle changes alone may not have any impact on hormonal weight gain. PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterised by hormonal imbalances, including higher levels of male hormones and insulin resistance. This can lead to difficulties in metabolism, with 40-80% of people with this condition reportedly overweight or obese.

For individuals struggling with PCOS-related weight gain, exploring GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) may be beneficial. Recent studies have shown that these medications can have groundbreaking effects on managing weight gain associated with PCOS, versus metformin (a medication used to control blood sugar) which is often prescribed for those with PCOS. GLP-1 medications work by helping to alleviate symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, such as suppressing appetite and reducing cravings. This can be a game-changer for individuals who have been struggling to manage their weight due to PCOS. Learn more about the new Weight Management Programme at HANX.

Weight changes can be complex, and hormones love to make things extra spicy. If you’re noticing sudden changes alongside other symptoms, it’s worth checking in with your GP or healthcare provider.

Want More? 

• People with PCOS often struggle with unwanted weight gain. Learn why weight loss can significantly decrease PCOS symptoms.
• Why is discussing weight loss such a taboo topic? Read why you shouldn’t feel ashamed about wanting to lose weight, or using GLP-1 medications.
• How does pricing on the the weight management programme at HANX work? Learn more and start your consultation today.