Dr. Melissa Dean, MD, FAARFM, an internal medicine and hormone therapy specialist, has over 20 years of experience helping patients address these challenges. As the founder of Dean Wellness Institute in Vero Beach, Florida, she takes an integrative approach to weight management, focusing on hormone balancing, nutrition, and metabolic health.
How Hormones Affect Weight Loss
Hormonal imbalances can slow metabolism, increase fat storage, and make it harder to lose weight. Some of the most common hormonal influences on weight include:
- Cortisol: Known as the stress hormone, cortisol rises during prolonged stress, increasing appetite and fat storage, particularly around the midsection.
- Insulin resistance: When cells become resistant to insulin, blood sugar remains high, leading to excess fat accumulation. This is common in those with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome.
- Estrogen imbalance: Women, especially during menopause, may experience weight gain due to lower estrogen levels, which can cause fat to shift to the abdominal area.
- Thyroid dysfunction: An underactive thyroid slows metabolism, making it difficult to burn calories efficiently.
If weight gain seems linked to hormonal issues, medical testing, and treatment may be necessary to restore balance.
The Connection Between Stress, Sleep, and Weight Gain
Beyond hormones, lifestyle factors such as stress and poor sleep can make it difficult to shed stubborn fat. Chronic stress triggers emotional eating and cravings for high-calorie foods. Lack of sleep disrupts the body’s hunger hormones, ghrelin and leptin, increasing appetite and reducing the ability to feel full.
Sleep deprivation also slows metabolism and hinders the body’s ability to process carbohydrates efficiently. As these issues persist, they can slow progress and reduce the effectiveness of conventional weight loss methods.
Hidden Metabolic Barriers to Weight Loss
Not all weight gain is caused by overeating. Metabolism plays a major role in how the body processes and burns fat. Several metabolic factors can contribute to stubborn fat, including:
- Insulin resistance, which slows down metabolism and encourages fat accumulation.
- Chronic inflammation, which can interfere with normal metabolic function
- Poor gut health, which affects digestion and nutrient absorption
A slow metabolism can make even the most dedicated weight loss efforts feel ineffective. A personalized treatment plan that addresses metabolic function can help overcome these challenges.
Take Control of Your Weight Loss Journey in Vero Beach, FL
If stubborn fat has been a persistent challenge, it may be time to address the underlying factors preventing progress. By focusing on hormones, stress, and metabolism, weight loss becomes more achievable.
Dean Wellness Institute offers science-backed, medically guided weight loss solutions to help patients in Vero Beach, FL, reach their goals. Contact us at 772-567-1500 to schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward lasting results.