Hormones influence physical and mental components in the body including body composition, which refers to the distribution of fat and lean mass. Different hormones impact body composition in various ways, affecting factors such as fat storage, muscle development, and overall metabolism. It’s important to note different causes for changes in hormones as well. For example, seasonal changes can cause hormone fluctuations and create imbalances, as can lifestyle choices and experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the types of hormones that make an impact on body composition.    

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and controls the storage of glucose in cells. It also promotes the storage of fat in adipose tissue. Insulin resistance is a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin. An increased accumulation of fat and changes in body composition often occur as a result.

Leptin

Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells and acts a messenger to the brain, signaling information about the body’s energy stores. It helps regulate appetite and influences energy expenditure. Leptin resistance or insufficient leptin levels can disrupt the balance between fat storage and utilization, potentially contributing to changes in body composition.

Ghrelin

Ghrelin is known as the “hunger hormone” because it stimulates appetite. Elevated ghrelin levels can influence increased food intake, thus contributing to the accumulation of body fat. Ghrelin levels have a natural tendency to fluctuate throughout the day, however lifestyle factors and some medical conditions can also contribute to increased or decreased levels over longer periods of time. 

Cortisol

Produced in response to stress, cortisol can influence body composition by promoting the storage of fat, particularly in the abdominal area. Chronic stress and consistently elevated cortisol levels may contribute to changes in fat distribution and increased visceral fat.

Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4)

Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. An overactive or underactive thyroid can be caused by various factors, including autoimmune conditions, inflammation, genetic predisposition, and certain medications. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to a slowed metabolism and weight gain, while an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can result in weight loss.

Estrogen and Testosterone

Sex hormones influence body composition. For example, lower estrogen levels in women, especially during menopause, can contribute to changes in fat distribution and the loss of lean muscle mass. In men, declining testosterone levels with age can also impact muscle mass and fat distribution.

Treatment at Regenerative Medical Institute

Our mission at RMI is to empower individuals to look and feel their best through our centers of excellence. We provide a number of services to address concerns of hormone imbalance and gain a better understanding of body composition. Learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) through our website. Get an accurate reading of your body composition (including a breakdown of water content, muscle mass, and body fat) through the InBody scanner, now available at our office. Call us to schedule a free consultation: 877-573-3737.