The human body has more than 200 hormones, which are part of the endocrine system. Hormones play a significant role in our habits, mood, and health. They affect our sex drive, our food cravings, and our stress levels. They also control the body’s energy balance and fat storage.

If you think obesity affects your hormones (or vice versa), you’re right. Scientists have found several connections between hormones and obesity. Here’s a rundown of the basics.

The ‘Hungry’ and ‘Full’ Hormones

MyObesityTeam members have expressed that their “hunger hormones” don’t seem to be working right.

“When I was younger and a slim weight, I can remember eating, and my brain would signal that I was full. And I know I could go much longer and not even think about food,” explained one member. “But in my later years (I’m 74) and with the added weight, I notice when I eat, it’s not actually my brain that tells me I am full. It’s more from a fullness signaled by my uncomfortable bulging stomach. And then later, I’m craving something else and know I can’t possibly be hungry.”

Many different hormones have direct and indirect effects on appetite. These are some of the major players.

Leptin

Fat cells (adipose tissue) make a hormone called leptin. Leptin tries to help the body maintain a stable weight. When someone gains body fat, their leptin levels go up. These higher leptin levels tell the brain and body to eat less and get more physical activity. The opposite happens after weight loss.

However, some people with obesity develop a condition called leptin resistance. In leptin resistance, leptin is high, but the brain doesn’t listen to leptin’s messages. As a result, a person is more likely to continue gaining weight.

Studies suggest that a Mediterranean diet high in healthy fats reduces leptin resistance. On the other hand, diets high in saturated fats have the opposite effect and may promote obesity.

Some people may also have LEP gene mutations (changes), which means they are born with leptin deficiency. Because they genetically have less leptin, the signaling that triggers feelings of satiety does not occur, leading to the excessive hunger and weight gain associated with this disorder.

Ghrelin

The stomach makes a hormone called ghrelin. While you can think of leptin as the “I’m full” hormone, ghrelin is the “I’m hungry” hormone. If your mind wanders to your next meal and your stomach starts rumbling, ghrelin is probably ramping up. Ghrelin also makes food more rewarding and enjoyable, enticing you to eat more.

Carbohydrates are the quickest way to quiet ghrelin’s demands. However, protein helps suppress ghrelin and hunger for longer. Having a meal with both is a good balance to feel satisfied.

Other Appetite Hormones

In addition to leptin and ghrelin, hormones linked to appetite include:

• Cholecystokinin
• Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide
• Glucagon-like peptide 1
• Oxyntomodulin
• Peptide YY

Some of these hormones are released because of changes in the bloodstream. Others are triggered when the intestines are full and stretched out from digesting food.

Targeting glucagon-like peptide 1 (or GLP-1) is a growing area of obesity treatment. Drugs like semaglutide mimic GLP-1, effectively reducing hunger. These medications are paving the way for more hormone-based therapies to treat obesity.

Obesity-Related Hormone Disorders

If your hormone levels are far out of balance, they can cause serious symptoms and health problems. Hormone disorders can be caused by genetics, obesity, or environmental factors. In other cases, a hormone disorder may be the reason people experience weight gain and develop obesity.

Diabetes

Insulin is a hormone that’s made in the pancreas. Everyone needs insulin to control the amount of sugar in their blood. Diabetes is a hormonal problem with insulin. It’s caused by either a lack of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or a resistance to insulin (type 2 diabetes).

Type 2 diabetes has been associated with obesity, although people of all body sizes develop it. Obesity may cause a resistance to insulin over time. People with obesity may even have high insulin levels, but their bodies cannot use it.

In some cases, weight loss can help put diabetes into remission, meaning it’s no longer a big concern. This is because weight loss improves insulin sensitivity, which is the opposite of insulin resistance.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that produces higher levels of androgens, or sex hormones, like testosterone. As a result, it’s harder for people with PCOS to get pregnant. If they do get pregnant, PCOS brings an increased risk of miscarriage.

According to the journal Nutrients, obesity affects 2 out of 3 women with PCOS. Between 50 percent and 70 percent of those with PCOS also have insulin resistance. The same report suggests that losing 5 percent to 10 percent of body weight could improve fertility and the mental and physical health of women with obesity and PCOS.

Hypothyroidism

Obesity has been associated with a few types of hypothyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism is the general term for low thyroid hormone levels. People with hypothyroidism have an underactive thyroid gland, which is an endocrine organ located in the neck. Low levels of thyroid hormone slow down metabolism. As a result, people with hypothyroidism tend to feel cold, gain weight, have constipation, and get fatigued easily.

Usually, hypothyroidism is caused by an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks and damages the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can also be the result of medication side effects, thyroid surgery, iodine deficiency, radiation, or an infection.

Chronic Stress

Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. It’s a steroid that increases appetite. People who have chronic stress and don’t get enough sleep are more likely to gain body fat, partially because their cortisol levels are running high. Over time, elevated cortisol levels promote abdominal fat, heart disease, and other metabolic problems, like type 2 diabetes.

Cushing Syndrome

The adrenal glands are a small organ above the kidneys. Cortisol is released from the adrenal glands. People with adrenal gland disorders may have too much or not enough cortisol. One example is Cushing syndrome. People with Cushing syndrome have elevated cortisol levels. Symptoms include fat distribution in the upper body with thinner arms and legs. Cushing syndrome also raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Chronic alcohol consumption can also increase cortisol levels, as can depression, eating disorders, extreme physical stress, or obesity.

This list scratches the surface of the many connections between hormones and body weight. While scientists have found some clear relationships, there’s still a lot to learn.

How To Balance Your Hormones

Healthy lifestyle changes can help keep your endocrine system running more smoothly. You can:

• Eat balanced meals with lean protein, healthy fats, and natural fibers to boost your natural satiety cues.
• Exercise regularly to lower cortisol and insulin resistance.
• Get in a routine with your sleep schedule, and give yourself enough time to rest at night.
• Pay attention to your stress levels and seek support and strategies to cope with stress.

If you’re concerned about your body weight, it’s worth discussing hormones with your doctor. If you’re dealing with fatigue, hair loss, fertility or sex issues, food cravings, or stress, hormones may be part of the problem. If your healthcare provider sees the signs or risk factors of an underlying hormone condition, they can run tests to see what’s going on. You may need a specific treatment to improve your overall health.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyObesityTeam is the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones. On MyObesityTeam, more than 57,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

Do you feel like hormone dysfunction affects your weight management goals? What symptoms have you experienced? Share in the comments below or on your Activities page.