If you’re struggling to figure out how to fix hormonal weight gain, the answer is layered. The solution isn’t one-size-fits-all and different hormones are usually involved at the same time. Exercise and diet alone won’t always help, and some people need professional intervention. That’s why our team at RCMC Medical Center takes a research-backed, empathetic approach to your weight loss journey. We take a look at the hormones that influence metabolism, appetite, energy, sleep, muscle mass, fat storage, and cravings to tailor a plan that works for you.
What Is Hormonal Weight Gain?
Hormonal weight gain is usually linked to hormonal changes or underlying hormone imbalances. Some of the most common triggers include:
- Thyroid changes
- Insulin resistance
- Cortisol from stress
- Menopause or perimenopause
- Low testosterone
- Poor sleep quality
- Metabolic changes from aging
When it comes to hormones, testing is necessary to get to the bottom of what’s going on. RCMC Medical Center runs lab work as part of your customized weight loss plan to pinpoint what is going on with your hormones and how they may be affecting your ability to lose weight. Common signs of hormonal weight gain include belly fat, fatigue, cravings, brain fog, mood swings, low libido, and irregular periods.
Step 1: Get a Medical Evaluation
Hormonal weight gain isn’t something that you should guess at or try interventions without understanding what’s actually going on. Our providers at RCMC Medical Center offer medical evaluations and review your symptoms, health history, medications, lifestyle, and weight loss challenges to develop a personalized plan.
If your lab results point to issues involving your thyroid, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, or insulin, we may run additional tests or move forward with hormone-focused weight loss treatment.
Step 2: Address Thyroid Issues
An underactive thyroid is one of the primary culprits of hormonal weight gain. It’s known to slow down metabolism and can make weight loss harder for many people. Some of the most common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, hair changes, and changes in your menstrual cycle. RCMC Medical Center may prescribe thyroid replacement therapy to address any imbalances and give your weight loss a boost.
Step 3: Balance Nutrition Without Crash Dieting
Medical treatment is only part of the equation. Nutrition still plays a major role in long-term success. Our providers offer nutrition plans and counseling to teach you a better way to fuel your body. Some of the cornerstones of good nutrition include:
- Protein with meals
- Fiber-rich vegetables
- Balanced carbs
- Hydration
- Eating fewer processed foods
- Drinking fewer sugary beverages
Step 4: Support Muscle and Metabolism
Maintaining muscle mass can help support metabolism, strength, and energy levels. RCMC offers fitness classes and counseling to focus on strength training and fitness that helps with body composition. The goal isn’t just weight loss. It’s building healthier body composition that can be maintained long term.
Step 5: Get Ongoing Support
Hormonal weight gain is rarely fixed overnight and needs support and monitoring. Our team at RCMC offers ongoing check-ins to help monitor your progress and symptoms and make sure you’re on a safe and sustainable weight loss journey.
How to Fix Hormonal Weight Gain FAQs
How do you know if weight gain is hormonal?
Hormonal weight gain can cause unexplained and stubborn weight gain, belly fat, fatigue, cravings, mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, sluggish libido, and challenges losing weight. RCMC Medical Center offers medical evaluations and lab testing to identify possible hormonal imbalances and issues to come up with a customized plan for you.
Can hormones make it hard to lose weight?
Yes, hormones can make it difficult to lose weight and regulate metabolism, appetite, fat storage, blood sugar, sleep, energy, and muscle mass. If your hormones are out of balance, weight loss is usually more difficult, even with healthy eating and exercise.
What hormones can cause weight gain?
Thyroid hormones, insulin, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can all play a crucial part in weight gain and changes. Getting the right treatment depends on which hormones are impacted, metabolic factors, and how your individual body responds. That’s why it’s important to get personalized care and a plan designed with your body in mind.
How can I lose hormonal belly fat?
The first step is a medical evaluation that reviews your symptoms, health history, lab work, and weight loss challenges. A customized plan should include a focus on protein, strength training, blood sugar balance, sleep, stress management, and potential hormone replacement therapy or other medical interventions.
Does hormone therapy help with weight loss?
Hormone therapy may help support weight loss when a hormone imbalance is contributing to weight gain. If your hormone replacement therapy plan isn’t working, RCMC can run more lab work, make adjustments, and work with you. We don’t succeed until you do.
What Does RCMC Do for Hormonal Weight Gain?
RCMC offers personalized wellness and weight loss programs that may need medical evaluations, lab work, hormone therapy, thyroid treatment, nutrition counseling, medical weight loss, injections, fitness classes, and ongoing monitoring. We make sure our patients’ plans are customized for their unique needs and challenges.
Get Help With Your Hormonal Weight Gain Today
Fixing hormonal weight gain is possible, but isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. RCMC Medical Center offers in-house and telehealth options to help our patients achieve results, even when they’ve struggled with weight gain for years. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help.