Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right—eating better, exercising more—yet the scale won’t budge? You’re not alone. The missing link may be your hormones—and even more importantly, your genetics.
As a naturopathic physician and clinical genomics consultant, I see this every day. Weight loss isn’t a simple matter of “calories in, calories out.” Instead, it’s a complex interplay between hormones, metabolism, inflammation, sleep, stress—and yes, your DNA.
Let’s unpack the science behind this—and what you can do about it.
How Hormones Affect Your Weight
Cortisol: The Belly Fat Hormone
When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which increases fat storage—especially around your abdomen. Chronically elevated cortisol disrupts sleep, increases cravings, and raises blood sugar, creating a perfect storm for weight gain.
- Genetic insight: Individuals with certain variants in the COMT gene may have a harder time clearing stress hormones like cortisol, making them more prone to anxiety, belly fat, and sleep issues.
Insulin: The Fat Storage Switch
Insulin is the hormone responsible for managing blood sugar. If you’re insulin resistant, your cells don’t respond properly, causing the body to store more fat—especially after meals rich in carbohydrates.
- Genes like FTO and PPARG are tied to how efficiently your body processes carbs and stores fat. Knowing your genotype helps us tailor the best nutrition plan for you—whether that’s low-carb, Mediterranean, or somewhere in between.
Thyroid: Your Metabolism’s Thermostat
Low thyroid function slows your metabolic rate, making weight loss difficult—even with calorie restriction. But many people have normal labs and still feel exhausted and sluggish.
- Variants in the DIO2 gene may reduce your ability to convert T4 into active T3 thyroid hormone, the very hormone that revs up metabolism and energy.
Sex Hormones: A Balancing Act
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all influence how your body stores fat, builds muscle, and handles insulin.
- In women, menopause-related estrogen drops can lead to increased abdominal fat, especially if testosterone becomes relatively dominant.
- In men, low testosterone levels are often tied to increased belly fat, reduced muscle mass, fatigue, and mood issues. And here’s the kicker: fat tissue actually converts testosterone into estrogen, creating a vicious cycle.
- Genetic variations in CYP1B1 or COMT can impair estrogen metabolism, increasing the risk of weight gain, fatigue, and hormone-related cancers.
Sleep, Appetite, and Cravings: The Leptin-Ghrelin Duo
Two lesser-known hormones—leptin (tells your brain you’re full) and ghrelin (stimulates hunger)—are strongly affected by sleep.
Just one night of poor sleep can increase ghrelin and decrease leptin, making you crave carbs and sweets. Over time, this hormonal imbalance leads to weight gain regardless of your diet.
The Genomic Advantage: Personalized Weight Loss
What works for one person may not work for you—and your DNA often holds the answers. With IntellxxDNA®, we analyze genes that affect:
- Appetite regulation
- Carbohydrate sensitivity
- Detox pathways
- Inflammation
- Estrogen metabolism
- Thyroid hormone conversion
- Exercise response
Using this information, we create a precision plan to help your body function optimally.
Next Steps: A Personalized Approach to Weight Loss
If you’re tired of guessing—and ready to stop blaming yourself—it’s time to take a science-based approach to your health.
As part of your care at Natural Health Works, I can evaluate your hormone levels, review your genomics, and help create a personalized roadmap for sustainable weight loss and better energy.
- Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation or call our office at (503) 722-7776.
References:
- Fui MNT, et al. Lowered testosterone in male obesity. Asian J Androl. 2014;16(2):223-31.
- Kabat GC, et al. Urinary estrogen metabolites and breast cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1997;6(7):505-509.
- Yoon G, et al. GLP-1 and neuroinflammation. Pharmacol Res. 2020;152:104615.
- LaValle JB. Hormones and Their Effects on Weight Loss. 2023 presentation.
