This applies to both women and men.
Insulin
Insulin is a pancreatic hormone responsible for regulating carbohydrate metabolism (transporting glucose from the blood to the cells). Normally, insulin is released into the blood after a meal, allowing cells to obtain the necessary amount of energy from glucose.
If the body does not produce enough insulin or if insulin-dependent cells lose sensitivity to its action (so-called insulin resistance), there is a breakdown in carbohydrate metabolism. The same applies to an excess of this hormone (hyperinsulinemia).
Excessive consumption of sugar (overeating) also aggravates the situation. In this case, carbohydrates begin to turn into fat, due to which the body weight increases.
Leptin
Leptin is the “satiety” hormone produced in the small intestine. When the necessary amount of nutrients enter the cells during a meal, it sends signals to the brain that the body is satiated, so you can stop eating.
If the leptin system is not working properly, the brain may not receive the proper signals and the person will continue to eat even when actually full. In severe forms of obesity, many people become resistant even to high concentrations of this hormone. This makes it very difficult for some people to limit their food intake, as the feeling of fullness simply does not come or comes very late.
Ghrelin
Ghrelin is the “hunger” hormone synthesized by the ghrelin-producing cells in the stomach. It starts working when the body runs out of nutrients. When it enters the bloodstream, it activates the hypothalamus, provoking feelings of hunger.
Another important function of ghrelin is to stimulate the peristalsis of the stomach to speed up digestion. The concentration of the hormone in the blood decreases 30 minutes to one hour after a meal. If the body produces too much of it, the person cannot get enough and control his appetite.
