Hormones control weight, fat distribution, and belly fat. Understanding the hormonal elements of abdominal fat and weight loss can illuminate metabolism.
The pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that stores fat, in response to food intake, particularly carbohydrates. It aids cell glucose storage.
Leptin: This hormone, produced by fat cells, stimulates the brain to satisfy hunger and promotes feelings of fullness.
Ghrelin: Hunger Hormone: Produced in the stomach to increase hunger. Ghrelin levels rise during weight loss, making it harder to lose weight.
Cortisol: Stress Hormone: Cortisol levels can rise due to persistent stress. Central Obesity: Chronic stress and high cortisol levels are linked to stomach obesity.
Adiponectin: Improves insulin sensitivity by being generated by fat cells. Anti-inflammatory: It may protect against metabolic diseases linked to abdominal fat.
Estrogens: Fat Distribution: Estrogens affect body fat distribution. Menopausal women accumulate more belly fat due to lower estrogen levels.
Testosterone is important for maintaining lean body mass and influencing fat distribution. Obese men may have low testosterone, which can increase belly fat.