Could Your Hormones Be The Secret To Fat Loss?

Just about every physiological process that occurs within our bodies is controlled by the endocrine system (our hormones). Hormones orchestrate internal physical actions and reactions to maintain homeostasis (balance). As with any physical function, energy intake versus expenditure (or hunger) is also regulated by these internal regulators.

- Cara-Lisa

A key hormone that is responsible for hunger regulation and fat metabolism is leptin, which works to maintain caloric homeostasis. Leptin is the ‘gatekeeper’ to fat metabolism through its ability to regulate energy intake in proportion to caloric expenditure. Leptin controls hunger via the following pathways:

By counteracting the effects of powerful feeding stimulants secreted by the hypothalamus and certain cells in the gut; • By promoting the production of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) – a powerful appetite suppressant. 

Leptin is secreted by fat cells and is received by receptors in the hypothalamus. If leptin is present and receptors are sensitive, then hunger is inhibited. More body fat means less food is required and so leptin is secreted to inhibit hunger and the accumulation of excess fatty tissue. Leptin also responds to short-term energy balance: a severe caloric deficit will reduce the secretion of leptin to encourage an individual to eat more to replenish energy stores. A severe caloric overdose temporarily boosts leptin secretion to reduce hunger.

In individuals who are at a healthy weight, leptin functions normally by regulating the amount of food consumed in relation to fat stores in the body. In the short term, leptin signals that the body has had enough to eat, while in the long term leptin indicates that the body has sufficient energy stores. In both instances, leptin works to reduce the appetite to maintain homeostasis, or a healthy body weight.