Real Cause of Excess Belly Fat
Why can’t I lose weight after 50? A question many of us have asked. And despite what we’ve come to believe, most often, the reason for weight gain after 50 – and why it is so difficult to lose weight – is hormone imbalance! In fact, almost anyone who struggles with weight gain also battles a hormone imbalance, at least to some degree. What can we do about it? Integrative Physician and Hormone Specialist Dr. Laurie Blanscet explains how hormones affect our weight, as well as our energy and mood, and what we can do about it.

Dr. Laurie specializes in helping men and women achieve optimum health with a “whole person” perspective, including the use of bio-identical hormones, proper nutrition and exercise. To learn more or contact Dr. Laurie, click here:

To find an integrative physician trained in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), visit A4M’s “find a doctor” page:

For more information about the Healthy Goddess Workshop by Joni Caldwell Lerner mentioned at the end of this video, click here:

For a comprehensive article on hormones and “Why You’re Not Losing Weight,” click here:

More videos on health and wellness after 50, click here:

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Losing weight is a common goal for many people, but it can be difficult to achieve. One of the biggest challenges is balancing your hormones. When your hormones are out of balance, it can be difficult to lose weight, no matter how hard you try. This guide will help you understand how your hormones and weight are related and how to restore balance so you can finally achieve the weight loss success you’ve been working for.

1. Understanding the role of hormones in weight loss

Hormones play a vital role in regulating our metabolism, appetite, and energy levels—all of which are important for weight loss. When our hormones are out of balance, it can be difficult to lose weight, no matter how well we eat or how often we exercise.

There are two main types of hormones that can impact our weight:
-Sex hormones: These include estrogen and testosterone. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to weight gain, particularly in women.
-Thyroid hormones: These regulate our metabolism. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can make it very difficult to lose weight, even when diet and exercise are regular.

2. How to balance your hormones for weight loss

There are several ways you can help balance your hormones and promote weight loss:
-Talk to your doctor: If you think your hormones may be out of balance, talk to your doctor. They can run tests to check hormone levels and see if there is an underlying condition that needs to be treated.
-Eat a balanced diet: Eating a diet that is rich in whole foods, lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber can help balance hormones and promote weight loss. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of alcohol.
-Get enough sleep: Sleep is important for overall health and well-being, and it can also impact hormone levels. Getting enough sleep (seven to eight hours per night) can help balance hormones and promote weight loss.
-Reduce stress: Stress can impact hormone levels and lead to weight gain. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and a healthy diet can help balance hormones and promote weight loss.
-Consider supplements: If your doctor recommends it, certain supplements can help balance hormones and promote weight loss. These include omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and green tea extract.

3. Foods that help balance hormones & promote weight loss

There are many different types of foods that can help balance hormones and promote weight loss. Here are some examples:
-Omega-3 fatty acids: These are found in oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. They can also be found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and support hormone health.
-Probiotics: These are live bacteria that are found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. They can also be taken as a supplement. Probiotics help promote a healthy gut, which is important for hormone balance.
-Green tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help protect against inflammation and support hormone health.
-Fiber: Fiber helps promote a healthy gut, which is important for hormone balance. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
-Lean protein: Lean protein helps support muscle mass, which is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism. Good sources of lean protein include chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes.

4. Lifestyle changes that balance hormone & help with weight loss

In addition to diet and supplements, there are lifestyle changes you can make to help balance your hormones and promote weight loss. These include:
-Exercise: Exercise can help boost metabolism, reduce stress, and promote hormone health.
-Quit smoking: Smoking cigarettes can increase inflammation and damage the lungs. Quitting smoking can help improve overall health and support hormone balance.
-Limit alcohol: Alcohol can be damaging to the liver and disrupt hormone levels. Limiting alcohol intake can help promote hormone balance and support weight loss.
-Manage stress: Stress can impact hormone levels and lead to weight gain. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and a healthy diet can help balance hormones and promote weight loss.

5. When To See A Doctor About Balancing Hormones & Weight Loss

If you think your hormones may be out of balance, talk to your doctor. They can run tests to check hormone levels and see if there is an underlying condition that needs to be treated. In some cases, hormone therapy may be recommended. However, this should only be done under the supervision of a doctor. Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough exercise, can help balance hormones and promote weight loss. If you are having trouble losing weight, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

If you’re looking to lose weight, it’s important that you also focus on balancing your hormones. This guide has outlined some of the best ways to do just that. But if you still have questions or want more personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We will work with you one-on-one to help you create a diet and exercise plan that not only helps you lose weight but also restores balance to your hormones. Ready to get started?

Real Cause of Excess Belly Fat
7 Comments
  1. Doctors I have worked with and for always test a TSH and hey, if your are within “The Range” there’s nothing wrong with your thyroid. Maddening! There are few docs who listen to the patient, particularly women. Something that happened to me…I never had high cholesterol until menopause (surgical for me) and my cholesterol shot up tremendously. My doctor finally put me on levothyroxine due to my consent nagging of my symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, etc. I never had a weight problem, and never had high cholesterol. So, I went on a low dose levo and low and behold, my cholesterol dropped 60 points in 2 months! I have since stopped the medication, but it was an interesting perk of the medication! Medication is necessary at times, but I believe you can heal your thyroid, not always, but it can happen.
    Lowering cortisol is more difficult. LOWER stress! SLEEP! Easier said than done. For me, lowering carbohydrates has helped many issues. I still struggle with my 20lb menopausal weight gain, but I keep going. Clear your mind, heal emotionally, lower carbs, do activity that you love and do it often. And, drink wine 🙂 and yes water. Healing trauma is HUGE! Thanks for this segment!!

  2. Losing weight ain’t that hard, I discovered a year ago when I lost 35lbs by eating less crap and you will lose. Due to health issues, I cut out alcohol and sugar of any kind and almost no carbohydrates…..yes, no Starbucks ladies. I stuck to proteins and that green/red/yellow stuff that comes from the earth. And I upped my exercising which mostly helps with cardiovascular stuff and mental health and I watched the pounds disappear, really!
    So then I got really trim and happy and guess what: I started eating sugar and carbs and drinking more booze again and yes, gaining weight. Dr. Dean Edell, on his radio talk show many years ago, use to say you could lose weight by only eating chocolate as long as you kept the calories below what your body needed, not healthy for sure but doable. It’s a numbers game, less calories and yes the right kind of calories (NO Starbucks!!) and you’ll lose the fat and weight.

    • You’re absolutely right! It is a numbers game when your body is functioning “normally”. Unfortunately, as we age – especially women and menopause – the hormone imbalances can play havoc with your weight. I know, I went through it, and I’ve always eaten healthy as you describe above. I don’t mean to imply that it’s “all hormones” if you eat “like crap” you’re not going to be able to lose weight. But when you’ve really tried, and nothing seems to work, having your hormones checked and balanced can be an absolute life changer.

  3. What specialty of Doctor should be pursued to resolve these issues?

    • Roy McCool great question! With the issues we discussed in this video, someone who is specialized in integrative care and understands and believes in bio identical hormone replacement therapy! There is a link in the video description below that might be helpful!

    • I think that would be an endocrinologist…

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