We’re all familiar with hormones. They’re the body’s tools for regulating internal functions, facilitating desire, and shaping our bodies. They help our body manage functions like fertility, growth, and metabolism.
However, hormones can sometimes inflict adverse effects on the body, especially for those concerned with aesthetics. There is a strong relationship between hormone production and fat storage in certain parts of the body. As a result, certain hormones will dictate a person’s appearance and physique.
There are several parts of the body that are associated with hormonal imbalances. Here are the four most common body parts that women can experience with being overweight.
Arm fat
Women who have excess fat in their arms have testosterone to blame. Those who don’t have enough of this hormone tend to accumulate fat on the triceps or the backs of the proximal arm segments.
An important role of testosterone in the male body is to provide fat distribution, muscle mass, and strength. As a result, it is less likely to see male humans with flabby arms than to see female humans with these fat deposits.
There are a few strategies women can use to mitigate flabby arms. Among the easiest is to increase the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats, found in foods like avocados and wild-caught salmon, are essential in the body’s testosterone-producing process. Eat these foods at least twice each week.
Additionally, lifting weights that target the biceps and triceps can help tone that area of the body. While strength training will not reduce fat deposits, it will tone the underlying muscle. The result will be a leaner, stronger arm.
Fat on the hips and thighs
Estrogen, the female hormone, causes fat deposits along the thighs, hips, and bum. This can cause the familiar pear-shaped body that many women develop as they reach child-bearing age. Excessive estrogen caused naturally or by hormonal birth control methods, shapes the body in other ways, too. The hormone can affect breast size and the severity of menstruation.
Those looking to control estrogen levels should consider eating a fully organic diet and using a probiotic supplement. Pesticides and plastics can contain estrogen, and non-organic foods allow that foreign hormone to build up in the body.
They can function as endocrine disruptors, which can cause your body to change. Avoiding packaged foods and choosing organic options can help reduce a person’s exposure to these chemicals.
Additionally, strengthening the bowels with a probiotic can help aid a person’s ability to digest and dispose of excess hormones. This can help balance gut bacteria and estrogen levels.
Belly fat
Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, is to blame for swollen bellies. This hormone is associated with raised blood sugar levels. Before office jobs and days spent at desks, this rise in blood sugar catalyzed the fight or flight response. Now, it just creates stress – and some excess tummy fat.
There are several foods to eat that can help control cortisol levels. Magnesium, which is found in bananas, leafy greens, and yogurt, helps the body cope with high cortisol levels. Additionally, reducing caffeine intake and getting more sleep can alleviate high levels of the cortisol hormone.