Have you suddenly noticed the number on the scale creeping up? Do your pants feel tighter than they used to — and you’re starting to wonder if maybe it’s not the dryer’s fault? Sudden weight gain can be perplexing and frustrating, especially if you haven’t changed your diet or activity level.
If you’re dealing with unexplained weight gain, it’s time to look more closely at your hormones. Hormones play a vital role in regulating body functions like metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, and hormonal imbalance is a common cause of weight gain.
Our team at Endocrine Associates of West Village is here to help. We specialize in hormonal health and weight loss with the neXendo wellness program to help you better understand your body and regain control over your weight.
Hormones influence bodily functions directly tied to your weight, including metabolism and fat storage. If you have a hormonal imbalance, too much or too little of certain hormones can disrupt your body's normal metabolic processes and cause weight gain.
A few different hormones influence weight regulation:
Insulin is a hormone your pancreas makes to help regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance, a condition where your body's cells don’t respond appropriately to insulin, can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and increased fat storage, particularly around your abdomen.
Cortisol is known as the stress hormone and is released in response to stress. Chronic stress can lead to consistently high cortisol levels, which can increase appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods and promote abdominal fat storage.
Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism. Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid is underactive, can slow down your metabolism and cause symptoms like weight gain and fatigue.
For women, fluctuating estrogen levels during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can all affect body weight. Low testosterone levels in men can also increase body fat and reduce muscle mass.
Hormonal imbalance is common, and there are a few possible factors that could be causing it. Some people are genetically predisposed to conditions like insulin resistance or thyroid disorders, which can lead to hormonal imbalances.
Plus, your hormone levels naturally fluctuate with age. For example, women experience a decline in estrogen levels during menopause, while men may experience lower testosterone levels as they age. Other factors can include lifestyle choices, like poor diet, lack of exercise, inadequate sleep, and chronic stress.
If you suspect that hormonal imbalance could be behind your sudden weight gain, we’re here to help you find answers. A comprehensive hormone evaluation can identify your specific hormonal imbalances and how those imbalances could contribute to weight gain.
Hormone evaluation typically involves blood tests to measure hormone levels and assess metabolic health. By pinpointing the exact hormones that are out of balance, we can develop a personalized treatment plan.
Along with targeted treatment for hormonal imbalance, we also offer medically supervised weight loss through neXendo wellness. It’s a structured approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and it combines medical expertise, personalized diet and exercise plans, and ongoing support to help you reach your goals.
We tailor your weight loss plan to your specific hormonal profile, lifestyle, and weight loss goals. The plan includes expert guidance on nutrition and support to help you address emotional and psychological factors that may be contributing to weight gain. Regular check-ups ensure that you’re losing weight safely and effectively.
Sudden weight gain is frustrating — and it could be a sign of underlying hormonal issues. At Endocrine Associates of West Village, we specialize in diagnosing and treating hormonal imbalances, and our weight loss program provides the tools and support you need to achieve lasting weight loss and improved well-being.
Contact us online or call one of our offices in Brooklyn, Long Island City, and New York, New York, to get started today.
