Navigating Hormonal Changes and Weight Management

Shriyal Sethumadhavan explores how hormonal changes impact metabolism and weight gain, shedding light on the vital role they play in the world of aesthetic medicine.

The realm of aesthetic medicine is a dynamic landscape where dermatologists and aesthetic plastic surgeons continuously strive to help individuals achieve their desired appearance. Amid the pursuit of beauty and wellness, one crucial yet often underestimated factor emerges – hormones and their profound influence on weight management.

Multifaceted influence on weight and metabolism

In the intricate orchestra of hormones orchestrating our bodies, Dr Rickson Pereira, Consultant Dermatologist and Head, Dr Rickson’s Dermatherapie Clinic, and Consultant Dermatologist, Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai, sheds light on their pivotal roles in weight regulation and metabolism.

• Insulin, our blood sugar conductor, can, when constantly elevated due to excessive sugar consumption, lead to insulin resistance and increased fat storage.

• Leptin, the ‘satiety hormone’, communicates fullness signals to our brains, yet disruptions often found in obesity can lead to overeating.

• Ghrelin, the hunger messenger, emanating from our stomach, stimulates appetite and, when overactive, potentially causes weight gain.

• Thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, act as metabolic conductors; hypothyroidism can slow metabolism and induce weight gain.

• Cortisol, our ‘stress hormone’, surges in response to stress, increasing appetite, especially for comfort foods, and promoting abdominal fat storage.

• Sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone impact body composition and metabolism; imbalances can trigger weight gain and altered fat distribution.

• Adiponectin and resistin, born in fat cells, modulate insulin sensitivity and inflammation. Low adiponectin and high resistin levels are linked to obesity and insulin resistance.”

• Peptide YY and GLP-1, gastrointestinal hormones, finetune satiety signals and appetite regulation.

• Hunger hormones such as orexin, neuropeptide Y, and agouti-related protein influence food-seeking behavior and appetite.

• Melatonin, the sleep maestro, governs sleep patterns; poor sleep disrupts appetite-regulating hormones and prompts weight gain.

Dr Pereira underscores that balancing these intricate hormonal interplays is essential for a healthy weight and metabolism. “Lifestyle elements such as diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and, when necessary, hormone therapy, are vital notes in this harmonious symphony, preserving overall health. Together, they form the key to sustainable weight management through hormonal changes.”

Sculpting beauty

Aesthetic procedures can be valuable tools for body contouring and fat reduction, especially when hormonal fluctuations contribute to weight gain and changes in body composition. There are aesthetic procedures that complement efforts to manage weight gain during hormonal fluctuations. Dr Pereira highlights some of these:

• Non-surgical fat reduction: Procedures like CoolSculpting, Endymed, Lipocel, and HIFEM use targeted cooling, radiofrequency, HIFU, or electromagnetic energy to selectively destroy fat cells without surgery. They can be effective in reducing localised fat deposits that may be resistant to diet and exercise, even when hormonal changes make weight loss challenging.

• Radiofrequency and ultrasound to tighten skin: Technologies like radiofrequency and ultrasound can tighten skin and reduce fat. They stimulate collagen production, which can help improve skin elasticity and tone, addressing concerns related to sagging skin often associated with weight fluctuations.

• Injectable treatments: Deoxycholic acid injections can be used to dissolve fat under the chin, reducing the appearance of a double chin. This can help improve facial contouring, even when hormonal changes affect fat distribution.

• Body contouring surgery: Surgical procedures like tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) and body lifts can address excess skin and fat, providing significant body contouring benefits. These surgeries are often considered when hormonal fluctuations have led to significant weight loss or post-pregnancy changes.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In some cases, hormonal fluctuations may be addressed with hormone replacement therapy. Balancing hormones through HRT can aid in weight management and body composition, potentially reducing the need for extensive body contouring procedures.

• Combination approaches: Many individuals opt for a combination of procedures to achieve their desired results. For example, combining fat-reduction treatments with skin-tightening treatments can provide comprehensive body contouring.

Nutritional strategies

Understanding the intricate relationship between hormonal changes and weight management is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It involves science-backed strategies, from nutrition to stress management, that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Providing insights into the nutritional aspect of weight management amidst hormonal shifts are Dr Archana Batra, Dietician, and Certified Diabetes Educator in Gurgaon and Dr Rohini Patil, MBBS & Nutritionist. They elucidate the role of a balanced diet, the significance of nutrient timing, and the impact of specific nutrients like fibre and protein. These strategies complement aesthetic weight management treatments, creating a holistic approach.

“A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats can help control the hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism,” advises Dr Batra. “Avoiding excessive sugar and refined carbs can prevent insulin spikes and crashes.”

Dr Patil adds, “Protein-rich foods can heighten sensations of fullness and aid in appetite management by influencing hormones like leptin and ghrelin. Lean proteins, such as those found in chicken, fish, and beans, can help manage weight.”

Nurturing wellness

Dr Patil provides practical advice for sustainable weight management during hormonal fluctuations. From understanding hormonal changes to adopting stress management techniques and optimising medication, she shares actionable steps to maintain a healthy weight. “Understanding the intricate relationship between hormonal changes and weight management is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” she says. “Incorporating these evidence-based approaches into one’s life can lead to effective weight management.”

In this comprehensive journey through the intersection of hormones and weight management, individuals can gain the knowledge and tools to navigate hormonal changes with confidence and precision. In the realm of aesthetic medicine, recognising and addressing the intricate interplay between hormones and weight management is essential for the benefit of patients and practitioners alike.

The essentials

In the world of aesthetic medicine, achieving and sustaining a desired physique often involves more than meets the eye. Hormones, the silent orchestrators of our metabolism, play a pivotal role in this journey. As dermatologists and aesthetic plastic surgeons, it is essential to recognise and address the intricate interplay between hormones and weight management for the benefit of the patients.

Advising patients for sustainable weight management

Sustainable weight management through hormonal changes can be challenging, but it’s achievable with the right strategies and support. Dr Rickson Pereira, Consultant Dermatologist and Head, Dr Rickson’s Dermatherapie Clinic, and Consultant Dermatologist, Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai, offers some advice for patients:

• Consult a specialist: Seek guidance from an endocrinologist to assess hormonal imbalances through blood tests.

• Balanced diet: Focus on nutrient-rich foods – fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid processed and sugary foods.

• Portion control: Cultivate mindful eating habits to prevent overconsumption.

• Regular exercise: Engage in consistent physical activity, including strength training and aerobic exercises.

• Stress management: Practice techniques like meditation, yoga, or mindfulness to mitigate stress’s impact on hormones.

• Quality sleep: Prioritize 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to regulate appetite hormones.

• Hydration: Stay properly hydrated to support overall health and appetite control.

• Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups to monitor progress and adjust your plan.

• Seek support: Lean on friends, family, or healthcare pros for emotional support.

• Realistic goals: Set achievable, gradual weight management targets over rapid results.

• Patience and persistence: Acknowledge that hormonal changes may slow progress—maintain determination.

• Avoid extreme diets: Steer clear of harmful crash diets that worsen hormonal imbalances.