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Does wellbutrin make you gain weight


Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Loss? What You Need To Know.

Weight gain is a common—but not inevitable—side effect of many antidepressants.

Wellbutrin stands out from the crowd in this case because studies and anecdotal reports have shown that it may actually lead to weight loss

This doesn’t mean that Wellbutrin will help everyone lose weight, nor does it mean it should be used strictly for this purpose.

Before you consider Wellbutrin for any reason, read on to learn what Wellbutrin is, its common side effects, how it can affect weight, and other precautions to know before using this antidepressant.

What Is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is a brand name for bupropion, an antidepressant medication that is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).

This mouthful is simply a name for drugs that increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.

Over time, this increase may improve symptoms of depression.

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Wellbutrin uses

Wellbutrin is most often prescribed for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Doctors also prescribe it to help decrease nicotine cravings in people who are trying to quit smoking.

Off-label, Wellbutrin may also be used to treat:

  • ADHD
  • Eating disorders
  • Bipolar disorder

How Wellbutrin works

Wellbutrin works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

Low levels of these neurotransmitters are associated with depressive symptoms, so Wellbutrin may help improve mood and other symptoms of depression.

It typically takes a few weeks to a few months for people to notice significant improvements from taking Wellbutrin for depression.

Common Wellbutrin Side Effects

Wellbutrin tends to have milder side effects than other antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Side effects also tend to lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. 

Common Wellbutrin side effects include:

  • Constipation
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid pulse
  • Sore throat

Tell your doctor if you notice new or worsening side effects while taking Wellbutrin.

Wellbutrin and Weight Loss

Weight change is a common side effect of any antidepressant.

Though everyone responds differently, most antidepressants tend to lead to weight gain.

Wellbutrin, however, is most commonly associated with weight loss.  

It’s unclear exactly why Wellbutrin has this effect.

It may have to do with the fact that the drug affects dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which play a role in appetite, satiety, and feeding behaviors.

Increasing levels of these neurotransmitters may cause changes in eating and, therefore, weight.

Still, Wellbutrin is not a weight-loss drug and should not be prescribed solely for this purpose.

What the research says

Research on Wellbutrin as a weight-loss drug shows promise, but because results are mixed and the weight loss is not significant, it is not an FDA-approved treatment for weight loss or obesity.

That said, some clinical trials and studies show a possible benefit, usually when combined with changes in diet and exercise.

Below are the highlights of some promising research:

  • In a 2016 clinical trial, people who lost at least 5% of their body weight in the first 16 weeks of taking Wellbutrin were more likely to keep the weight off while continuing the medication for at least a year.
  • When Wellbutrin is paired with a diet that reduces intake by 500 calories a day, obese individuals who also live with depressive symptoms may be more likely to lose at least 5% of their body weight in 12 weeks, according to one study.
  • Long-term Wellbutrin treatment may support modest weight loss in normal weight or overweight people who have been diagnosed with depression, with the percent of weight loss increasing based on body size. In one study, people with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 30 lost an average of five more pounds than people with a BMI of less than 22 did in 11 months. 
  • In a very small randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, nearly 70% of participants who took Wellbutrin lost more than 5% of their body weight, but only 15% of people who took a placebo saw this same effect. Most of the change in the Wellbutrin group was from losing body fat.
  • When combined with counseling on diet and exercise, taking 300 or 400 milligrams of Wellbutrin SR daily for 24 weeks helped obese adults lose 7% or 10% of their body weight, respectively. Continuing the medication for another 24 weeks helped them maintain this weight loss.

How to Take Wellbutrin

  • Wellbutrin SR: This sustained-release version has to be taken twice a day, typically once in the morning and once mid-afternoon.
  • Wellbutrin XL: This extended-release version is taken less frequently, just once a day, typically in the morning.  

No matter which one you take, never crush, break, or chew the tablets.

Doing so affects how the medication is released in your body and, in turn, you may not experience the intended benefits.

Always swallow the pills whole.  

You can take Wellbutrin on an empty stomach, although eating some food may help ease any upset stomach caused by the medication. 

If you miss a dose, skip that pill and take your next dose at the normal time.

Taking doses too close together can lead to an accidental overdose, which can have severe side effects, including seizures.

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Wellbutrin Precautions

Wellbutrin is generally well tolerated.

However, it interacts with more than 400 drugs.

To avoid interactions, make sure your healthcare provider knows what other prescription medications, supplements, and OTC medications you take.

Also never take Wellbutrin with alcohol, as serious side effects may occur.

Wellbutrin may increase the risk for seizures in people who may already be at higher risk.

It also comes with a risk of suicidal thoughts, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults. 

If you notice any changes that concern you while taking Wellbutrin, contact your doctor.

If you’re having a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also get free 24/7 support from a suicide and crisis expert by calling or texting 988. If you’d prefer to chat online, you can chat with a suicide and crisis expert by visiting the Lifeline Chat.

How K Health Can Help

Think you might need a prescription for Wellbutrin (bupropion)?

K Health has clinicians standing by 24/7 to evaluate your symptoms and determine if Wellbutrin is right for you.

Get started with our free assessment, which will tell you in minutes if treatment could be a good fit. If yes, we’ll connect you right to a clinician who can prescribe medication and have it shipped right to your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Wellbutrin to work for weight loss?

In people who lose weight as a side effect of Wellbutrin, it is possible to notice weight changes within eight weeks. However, Wellbutrin is not a weight-loss drug and may not produce consistent results when taken for this purpose.

Is Wellbutrin an appetite suppressant?

Wellbutrin does not suppress appetite. What it does is affect the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in appetite, satiety, and feeding behaviors, which may be why Wellbutrin may help some people lose weight.

Can bupropion be used for weight loss?

Some doctors may use Wellbutrin off-label to support weight loss, but more often, weight loss is a side effect of Wellbutrin.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

  • Bupropion. (2018).
    https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html

  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin). (2020).
    https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Bupropion-(Wellbutrin)

  • Bupropion for Weight Loss: An Investigation of Efficacy and Tolerability in Overweight and Obese Women. (2001).
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11557835/

  • Bupropion SR vs. Placebo for Weight Loss in Obese Patients With Depressive Symptoms. (2002).
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12376586/

  • Bupropion SR Enhances Weight Loss: A 48-Week Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. (2002).
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12105285/

  • Bupropion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Effectiveness as an Antidepressant. (2016).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4837968/

  • Dopamine Depletion Reduces Food-Related Reward Activity Independent of BMI. (2016).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4832016/

  • Effect on Body Weight of Bupropion Sustained-Release in Patients With Major Depression Treated for 52 Weeks. (2002).
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12017410/

  • The Efficacy and Tolerability of Bupropion in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. (2011).
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22015858/

  • Medication Guide: Wellbutrin XL. (2016). https://www.fda.gov/media/76996/download Wellbutrin SR. (2020).
    https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/spl/data/d7aff3aa-ce5b-41f7-af73-1d7e1a4b81f1/d7aff3aa-ce5b-41f7-af73-1d7e1a4b81f1.xml#section-7.5

  • Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors. (n.d.).
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/norepinephrine-dopamine-reuptake-inhibitors

  • A Review of the Neuropharmacology of Bupropion, a Dual Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor. (2004).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC514842/

  • The Relationship Between Early Weight Loss and Weight Loss at 1 Year With Naltrexone ER/Bupropion ER Combination Therapy. (2016).
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27328752/

  • The Use of Bupropion SR in Cigarette Smoking Cessation. (2008).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528204/

  • Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Interactions. (n.d.).
    https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/bupropion,wellbutrin-index.html

  • Wellbutrin (Bupropion Hydrochloride.) (2006).
    https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/018644s33s34,020358s37s40,021515s14lbl.pdf

Does Wellbutrin® Cause Weight Gain or Loss?

Medically reviewed by Katelyn Hagerty, FNP

Written by Our Editorial Team

Last updated 7/3/2022

Depression is a common mental illness that can occur in people of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health suggest that an estimated 8.4 percent of US adults, including 10.5 percent of adult women, suffer from depression annually.

If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, your healthcare provider may prescribe a medication called Wellbutrin® to improve your mood and control your depressive symptoms.

Does Wellbutrin cause weight gain? Weight gain is a common side effect of several medications for depression. However, Wellbutrin differs from many antidepressants in that research suggests that it isn’t likely to cause weight gain and that it can in fact often contribute to weight loss.

Below, we’ve explained what Wellbutrin is, as well as how it works as a treatment for depression in women.

We’ve also discussed the relationship between Wellbutrin and your weight, as well as other side effects to be aware of before using Wellbutrin to treat depression.

What Is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that contains the active ingredient bupropion. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1985 and is widely used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD, or depression). 

Unlike most widely-used antidepressants, bupropion isn’t a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs referred to as “atypical” antidepressants due to its unusual mechanism of action.

Most antidepressants work by stopping the reuptake of serotonin, which can increase serotonin levels in your brain and body.

Serotonin is a naturally-occurring chemical referred to as a neurotransmitter. It’s involved in the regulation of your moods, happiness and feelings of anxiety. Experts believe that low serotonin levels play a key role in the development of the symptoms of depression.

Instead of targeting serotonin, Wellbutrin works by increasing levels of other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine.

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate your heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Low levels of norepinephrine are associated with lethargy, poor focus and a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dopamine is a monoamine neurotransmitter that’s involved in other aspects of mental function, including reward-seeking behavior.

There’s also evidence that Wellbutrin targets receptors that respond to nicotine. Bupropion, the active ingredient in Wellbutrin, is also sold as a medication for quitting smoking and as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

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Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Gain or Weight Loss?

Many antidepressants have a reputation for causing weight gain. While study findings vary from one drug to another, this reputation is somewhat deserved, as many antidepressants are linked to changes in appetite and body weight. 

For example, a population-based cohort study published in the BMJ in 2018 found that people who use antidepressants were more likely to gain weight over the course of several years than their peers.

However, not all types of antidepressant medication are associated with a higher risk of weight gain. 

Most studies of antidepressants and weight gain involve widely-used classes of antidepressant drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitor medications (MAOIs).

As an atypical antidepressant, bupropion isn’t associated with the same risk of changes in body mass as other medications for depression.

In fact, some clinical trials of bupropion have found that it’s more likely to cause mild weight loss than adverse weight gain. 

In a clinical trial published in the journal Obesity Research, a team of researchers looked at the effects of bupropion on the average body weight of obese people.

A total of 327 people participated in the trial, with just under 200 finishing 48 weeks. One group was counseled on energy-restricted diets, meal replacement and exercise, while the other also received counseling but was also instructed to take a daily dose of bupropion.

Over the course of 24 weeks, the researchers found that the people who used bupropion were more likely to achieve weight loss, with an average weight loss of 7.2 percent and 10.1 percent in people who received 300mg or 400mg of bupropion per day.

After 48 weeks, the people that received bupropion showed sustained weight loss, suggesting that bupropion may cause lasting changes in eating habits and body weight.

Other studies have produced similar findings. For example, a smaller-scale clinical trial, which was also published in the journal Obesity Research in 2001, found that overweight and obese people who used bupropion lost more weight than people who received a placebo.

More recent research suggests that a combination of bupropion and naltrexone, a medication that’s typically used to treat alcohol or opioid use disorders, helps to induce weight loss when combined with calorie restriction and physical activity.

In general, there’s very little evidence that bupropion, whether it’s sold as Wellbutrin or under any other brand name, is associated with weight gain. For the most part, studies suggest the opposite — that bupropion typically causes a mild amount of weight loss.

Side Effects of Wellbutrin

Although Wellbutrin isn’t as closely associated with weight gain as other antidepressants, it can still cause adverse effects.

Common side effects of Wellbutrin include:

  • Dizziness

  • Dry mouth

  • Nausea and/or vomiting

  • Headache and/or migraine

  • Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)

  • Sedation and drowsiness

  • Tachycardia (fast heart rate)

  • Constipation

  • Blurred vision

  • Agitation

  • Tremors

  • Dyspepsia (indigestion)

  • Changes in appetite

  • Menstrual complaints

  • Sensory disturbances

  • Auditory disturbance

  • Blood pressure changes

  • Confusion

  • Hostility

Wellbutrin is generally less likely to cause sexual issues than other antidepressants. However, a small percentage of people who use bupropion still report sexual dysfunction issues such as low sex drive and, in men, erectile dysfunction (ED). For details, we have a blog on Wellbutrin sexual side effects.

Like other antidepressants, Wellbutrin can cause withdrawal effects when it’s stopped suddenly, making it important to inform your healthcare provider if you’re prescribed Wellbutrin and plan to stop using your medication. 

Some side effects of Wellbutrin may be transient, meaning they’ll gradually become less severe as your body gets used to the effects of the medication.

If you’re prescribed Wellbutrin and notice any of the side effects above, it’s important to tell your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage of Wellbutrin, suggest changing the way you use your medication or switching to a different antidepressant. 

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The Final Word on Wellbutrin and Weight Gain and Loss

Wellbutrin is a popular antidepressant that’s typically used to treat major depression. Bupropion, its active ingredient, is also used to treat seasonal affective disorder, and as an aid for reducing nicotine cravings and helping with smoking cessation. 

Unlike other antidepressants, bupropion isn’t associated with weight gain. Instead, most studies suggest that it may cause a small amount of weight loss over the long term.

If you’re prescribed bupropion and notice your weight changing more than you’d like, talk to your healthcare provider. They may suggest making changes to your diet and habits or adjusting the way you use your medication.

Interested in treating depression? We offer a large range of depression and anxiety medications online, including bupropion XL (a generic version of Wellbutrin XL®).

You can also access other forms of treatment for depression online through our range of mental health services, including individual online therapy and online support groups. 

Finally, you can learn more about successfully coping with depression, anxiety, stress and other common mental health issues using our free mental health resources and content.  

12 Sources

Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

  1. Major Depression. (2022, January). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
  2. WELLBUTRIN® (bupropion hydrochloride) tablets, for oral use. (2017, May). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018644s052lbl.pdf
  3. Brain Hormones. (2022, January 23). Retrieved from https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/brain-hormones
  4. Adrenal Hormones. (2022, January 23). Retrieved from https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/adrenal-hormones
  5. Sonne, J. , Goyal, A. & Lopez-Odeja, W. (2021, September 16). Dopamine. StatPearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535451/
  6. Huecker, M.R., Smiley, A. & Saadabadi, A. (2021, October 17). Bupropion. StatPearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/
  7. Bupropion. (2018, February 15). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html
  8. Gafoor, R., Booth, H.P. & Gulliford, M.C. (2018). Antidepressant utilisation and incidence of weight gain during 10 years’ follow-up: population based cohort study. The BMJ. 361, k1951. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5964332/
  9. Anderson, J.W., et al. (2002, July). Bupropion SR enhances weight loss: a 48-week double-blind, placebo- controlled trial. Obesity Research. 10 (7), 633-641. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12105285/
  10. Gadde, K.M., et al. (2001, September). Bupropion for weight loss: an investigation of efficacy and tolerability in overweight and obese women. Obesity Research. 9 (9), 544-551. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11557835/
  11. Tek, C. (2016). Naltrexone HCI/bupropion HCI for chronic weight management in obese adults: patient selection and perspectives. Patient Preference and Adherence. 10, 751-759. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4862388/
  12. Sheffler ZM, Abdijadid S. Antidepressants. Updated 2021 Nov 14. In: StatPearls Internet. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

How hormones make you gain weight - 4fresh blog

Elena and Anastasia Kostyukhin
The authors of the article. Nutritionists, founders of the GetHealth healthy lifestyle project

Have you tried everything but still can't lose weight? Maybe your hormones are to blame.

Steady accumulation of fat may be the result of hormonal imbalance. In this case, conventional diets and other recommendations no longer work, because they do not address the hormonal underlying causes, such as excess cortisol, low insulin and/or leptin sensitivity, estrogen imbalance, hypothyroidism (insufficiency of hormones produced by the thyroid gland). In fact, some hormonal imbalances can make losing weight completely impossible.

In this article, you will learn why hormonal imbalances can cause you to gain weight and how to deal with it. Let's figure it out.

And what about hormones?

Hormones are special molecules that act as intermediaries between different parts of your body. When they enter the bloodstream in response to specific stimuli, they are immediately transferred to certain target cells.

Targets for each hormone differ in the presence of specific, suitable receptors. The interaction between the hormone and the receptor sets off a cascade of biochemical reactions in the target cell that ultimately alters the function or activity of the cell.

Thus, hormones regulate complex processes, including growth, energy production, blood sugar, hunger and satiety, and metabolism.

1. Insulin

When it comes to weight loss, one of the most important hormones is insulin. It is produced by the pancreas and is known to regulate blood sugar levels, inhibit lipolysis (the breakdown of fats) and stimulate lipogenesis (the formation of fat stores).

Chronically high insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance. In this state, the cells lose their sensitivity to the hormone, and the pancreas has to produce more and more insulin in order to control blood sugar levels. However, this is getting harder and harder to do.

As a result, there comes a point when the level of sugar and insulin in the blood becomes steadily high. This leads to weight gain and a high risk of type 2 diabetes.

Many factors contribute to the development of insulin resistance. One of these is thought to be elevated levels of free fatty acids in the blood.

The main cause of high free fatty acids is eating too many calories and being overweight. In fact, overeating, weight gain, and obesity are strongly associated with insulin resistance.

Other potential causes of insulin resistance include:

  1. Frequent use of fructose as an added sugar (not from fruit).
  2. Oxidative stress: a consequence of chronic stress, smoking, drinking alcohol and "artificial" foods, contact with polluted environment, overtraining.
  3. Sedentary lifestyle, lack of activity.
  4. Gut microbiota: Disruption of the bacterial environment in the gut can cause inflammation, which exacerbates insulin resistance and other metabolic problems.

What can you do?

  • When you eat a lot of sugar, fast food and processed carbohydrates (cakes, pastries), insulin goes out of whack. That is why the very first reasonable step is to minimize these foods in your diet.
  • Eat a whole food diet. Be sure to include healthy fats: nuts, oily fish. If there are no contraindications, try intermittent fasting, for starters - 12:12 or 10:14.
  • Add any physical activity to your schedule on a regular basis: walking, running, group or personal training, dancing, swimming, etc.

Preventing insulin resistance can be one of the most powerful ways to stay lean and live a much longer, healthier life.

2. Leptin

Fat secreted leptin controls appetite and helps you feel full. In simple terms, when leptin levels are balanced, you don't overeat.

Similar to insulin, chronically high leptin levels can cause leptin resistance. When the body becomes resistant to leptin, the brain no longer recognizes the signal of the hormone and mistakenly believes that you are hungry, even if in fact the body already has enough energy stored up.

Other possible causes of leptin resistance include chronic inflammation and increased levels of free fatty acids in the bloodstream.

For most people who struggle with leptin resistance, getting themselves to overcome the hunger signal caused by this condition is VERY difficult.

What can you do?

  1. Avoid processed foods: Highly processed foods can compromise intestinal integrity and cause inflammation. As we have said, inflammation is closely linked to the development of leptin resistance.
  2. Add soluble fiber: Eating soluble fiber can improve gut health and protect against obesity.
  3. Add Protein: Eating plenty of protein can help you lose weight.
  4. Exercise: Physical activity can help reverse leptin resistance.
  5. Sleep: Lack of sleep is closely linked to the problem of disturbing normal leptin levels.

While there is no easy way to cure leptin resistance, you can make long-term lifestyle changes that will make a difference in how you feel right from the start.

3. Ghrelin

Ghrelin is a hormone produced in the intestines. It is often referred to as the hunger hormone because ghrelin's main function is to increase appetite. It is he who stimulates you to eat more and accumulate fats.

In addition, it affects your sleep/wake cycle, taste sensations, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Ghrelin is produced in the stomach and released when the stomach is empty. It enters the bloodstream and affects the part of the brain known as the hypothalamus, which regulates your hormones and appetite. The higher the level of ghrelin, the hungrier you become. That's why if you're looking to lose weight, lowering your ghrelin levels can be helpful.

Ghrelin levels usually rise before meals when your stomach is empty. It then declines shortly after the stomach is full.

No matter how much you weigh, ghrelin levels usually go up when you go on a diet. This is your body's natural reaction to trying to protect you from hunger and exhaustion.

During a strict diet, your appetite increases and levels of the "satiety hormone" leptin decrease. The metabolic rate also tends to drop significantly, especially if you restrict calories for an extended period of time.

For obvious reasons, this mechanism can make losing weight much more difficult.

What can you do?

Ghrelin seems to be a hormone that cannot be controlled. However, there are a few habits you can adopt to keep it healthy:

  1. Avoid extremes: both obesity and anorexia throw ghrelin out of balance.
  2. Get enough sleep, rest, do not allow a state of complete weakness.
  3. Gain muscle mass, do fitness.
  4. Eat more protein: Protein increases satiety and reduces hunger.

Protein Sources

  • fish and seafood,
  • meat and poultry,
  • eggs,
  • quinoa,
  • nuts and seeds,
  • legumes and lentils.

The best way to control ghrelin is with a sustainable healthy eating plan. Extreme diets and drastic calorie reduction can negatively impact hormone levels and interfere with normal function.

4. Cortisol

Cortisol is an important steroid hormone that belongs to a class of hormones called glucocorticoids. It is produced by the adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys.

In addition to helping with the stress response, other functions of cortisol include:

  • increased blood sugar level;
  • reduction of inflammation;
  • suppression of the immune system;
  • aid in nutrient metabolism.

Cortisol is usually released in close conjunction with your body's circadian rhythm, with 50-60% released after 30-40 minutes of being awake, and then cortisol levels drop throughout the day.

Cortisol is also released during times of stress. This prepares your body for a potentially dangerous situation. And while this reaction is normal, chronically high cortisol levels can lead to negative side effects:

What can you do?

While there may be many stressors in your life that can potentially increase your cortisol levels, there are several effective ways to manage your cortisol levels.

  1. Universal tip - be active and get enough sleep. Physical activity relieves tension and allows you to be more resilient to stress, while healthy sleep ensures quality recovery and hormonal balance.
  2. Try to eat mindfully. The Intuitive Eating concept involves total concentration on what and how you eat and how you feel while eating. The easiest way to start practicing mindful eating is to get rid of distractions* while eating. This will allow you to eat more slowly and mindfully, as well as better feel and recognize the signals of hunger and satiety.

* Examples of distractions: phone, TV, laptop, very loud music, book, conversations that distract from food, road (food on the run).

  1. Another potential tool for managing cortisol levels is meditation. You can start with a few minutes of measured deep breathing. While inhaling deeply, count the duration of the breath in seconds, pause at the top of the inhalation for the same number of seconds that you inhaled, and exhale for the same number of seconds. Repeat this cycle a couple of times, and if breathing allows, gradually increase the time of inhalation, retention and exhalation, maintaining a ratio of 1:1:1.
    For example: inhale - mentally count to 5, hold - again count to 5, exhale - and again 5 counts. Do at least 5-7 repetitions.

You can also use any practice that has a relaxing effect on you: a massage, a spa, talking to a loved one, reading, listening to a favorite artist's album, or a walk in the park.

Conclusion and general recommendations

To get a complete picture of your hormonal health, we strongly recommend that you see your doctor. You will need to take a consultation and pass comprehensive tests. In addition to the indicators disclosed in the article, it will also be useful to immediately pass biochemical analysis, female profile (hormones) and thyroid profile. This will help you avoid wrong decisions about the true cause of weight gain and protect yourself from additional danger.

The general recommendations in this article may be useful as a preventive measure.

Sources

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Overweight and diabetes - Megion city dental clinic

Friday, 3 November 2017

Risk factors for diabetes and excess weight are often associated with lifestyle, age and family genetics, it is becoming more and more clear that the comfort of modern life also contributes to the development of both diseases. For example, a sedentary lifestyle (reduced physical activity) and the popularity of high-fat, high-energy diets and processed foods are known to lead to obesity – but do they also cause diabetes?

Is there a link between obesity and diabetes?

Of the patients diagnosed with type II diabetes, approximately 80 to 90 percent are also diagnosed with obesity. This fact gives an idea of ​​the link between diabetes and being overweight. Understanding what causes the disease will help prevent diabetes in the future.

Being overweight puts extra stress on the body in various ways, including the body's ability to maintain proper blood glucose levels. In fact, being overweight can cause the body to become resistant to insulin. If you already have diabetes, this means that you will need to take even more insulin to get sugar into your body cells. And if you don't have diabetes, prolonged exposure to insulin resistance can eventually lead you to this disease.

Will insulin make me gain weight?

Weight gain is common in people who take insulin for diabetes treatment. Therefore, the more insulin you use to maintain your blood sugar levels, the more glucose is taken up by the cells rather than being eliminated by the body. The absorbed glucose is stored as fat, which causes you to gain weight. Of course, this is only one of the links between insulin and weight gain.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you should change your diet accordingly. Otherwise, there is a chance that you will gain weight as soon as you start taking insulin. In fact, once you start taking insulin to treat diabetes, you don't really need to eat a lot. Since your body is using food properly instead of wasting it, you will soon find that you don't need the same amount of food intake that you had before diabetes. Hopefully, changing your diet will help you prevent the weight gain often associated with taking insulin.

Prevent obesity, prevent diabetes

To reduce the chance of developing diabetes, maintain a healthy weight and increase your physical activity.

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