Monitoring and controlling weight is a concern for many Americans, particularly with the growing rise of obesity.  Nutrition and exercise are two necessary tools for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.  However there are other influences to weight that may not be as easy to identify. For example there are many different types of hormones that have integral part in weight and fitness.  For this discussion we will review how testosterone and estrogen affect weight.

Testosterone levels in both men and women help to increase metabolism, decrease body fat, and maintain muscle mass.  Therefore as testosterone levels decline, muscle mass can decrease which can result in a decreased metabolism and an increase in body fat.  Visceral fat, body fat located around the abdomen, has also been linked to low or decreased testosterone levels.  This type of fat can be very hazardous and can potentially increase a person’s risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Estrogen also helps to increase metabolism and to breakdown body fat so that it may be used for fuel.  In addition to regulating energy expenditure, estrogen also has an impact on appetite.  Studies have shown that decreased estrogen can actually create an increase in appetite.  Therefore as estrogen levels decrease during menopause it can be very difficult to maintain weight and not experience weight gain.

If you have been working diligently to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, yet feel you are still experiencing a road block in maintaining or losing weight please contact a hormone therapist to discuss your hormone levels and how they may be affecting your fitness goals.