Is hormonal imbalance the main cause of obesity? Scientific weight loss should begin with balancing hormones.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this book, weight gain isn't simply due to overeating and lack of exercise, but is determined by the body's hormones.

Whether we feel full or hungry, happy or sad, or even if some women experience amenorrhea due to stress, these are all decisions "made" by hormones. Hormones determine our appetite, behavior, emotions, and metabolism, and also whether the body stores or burns fat.

This also explains why some people gain weight more easily after taking large amounts of hormone-based medications due to illness, even if their diet remains the same.

More and more scientific experiments show that the main cause of obesity is hormonal imbalance, not simply an increase or decrease in calories. Therefore, constantly overeating and being inactive isn't because you're greedy or lazy, nor is it due to weak willpower, but rather a biochemical reaction in the body. So, there's no need to doubt or criticize yourself; balancing hormones is the key to solving the problem.

Different hormone levels also have different effects on where fat is stored. For example, thyroid problems slow down the body's metabolism, hindering protein production, and leading to fat accumulation in the limbs and torso; the adrenal glands control stress hormones, and when they malfunction, the body tends to accumulate fat in the waist and abdomen, resulting in the common "apple-shaped" figure; the ovaries control estrogen secretion, and if there are problems, women are more likely to accumulate fat in the hips and thighs, forming a "pear-shaped" figure.

Many hormones determine whether we store or burn fat, so to become a successful fat burner, you need to learn to balance your body's hormone levels, and the most crucial factor affecting hormones is diet. Improving your diet is essential for maintaining a good figure in the long term.

Many women have experienced this confusion: for a few days each month, no matter how much they control their diet and exercise, their weight inexplicably increases by a few pounds. This is actually due to hormonal fluctuations.

In the week before menstruation, the levels of two major hormones in the body—estrogen and progesterone—begin to fluctuate dramatically. During this process, the body is more prone to water retention; therefore, the weight gain during this period is almost entirely due to water. The menstrual cycle can also cause constipation, leading to weight gain, which is related to increased progesterone secretion causing food to linger in the intestines. However, there's no need to worry; premenstrual constipation usually disappears after menstruation begins.

Furthermore, significant fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause increased appetite, which is why women often crave food during their periods. The hormonal changes unique to the female physiological cycle can subtly cause weight fluctuations of 1-5 pounds, but this is mostly due to increased water retention. Simply waiting for the menstrual period to end will allow everything to return to normal.

The amazing effects of hormones aren't limited to the female menstrual cycle; most people's cravings and emotional eating are also related to the stress hormone cortisol. When there is significant stress in life and work, we become more prone to overeating. Increased cortisol secretion also leads to increased insulin, making it easier to accumulate fat.

Therefore, our actions, thoughts, and uncontrollable cravings are all closely related to hormones. To lose weight scientifically and healthily, learning to balance hormones is key.