Glands & Weight Loss
There is more than one gland in the human body whose performance can regulate weight gain or loss. This is due to varying levels of hormones produced by the glands, affecting the metabolism or appetite. At times, there are conditions that develop with these glands that promote weight loss, such as hyperthyroidism.
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Diet
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A person's diet affects which hormones are produced and in what quantities. Certain foods and supplements can promote healthy levels of hormones, encouraging the body to maintain a healthy body weight while also maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Glands
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Two of the glands whose production levels can affect the body weight are the hypothalamus and the thyroid. Underneath of the thalamus section of the brain is the hypothalamus. The thyroid gland is found in the neck.
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Hypothalamus Functions
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The hypothalamus is active in weight regulation and the budgeting of the body's fuel and energy. Some of the gland is made of several groups of cells that perform different complex functions. Functions affected by the hypothalamus include sexual behavior, blood pressure, body temperature and emotional reactions. Another function is the sending of signals to the part of the brain controlling hunger that the stomach is full, which can take approximately 20 minutes. In addition, the hypothalamus regulates salt and iodine cravings, which is crucial for the proper function of another gland that plays an important role in weight regulation, the thyroid gland.
Eating Habits Change
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When the hypothalamus is not functioning properly, it is very common to see fluctuations in eating patterns. These fluctuations can cause yo-yo weight gain and weight loss.
Metabolism
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Problems with the thyroid gland can be another reason for sudden weight loss. The hormones produced by the thyroid are vital in regulating metabolism. A fluctuation in the thyroid hormone caused by a change in diet or a possible complication may result in either weight gain or loss. By measuring the amount of oxygen used by the body when it is at rest, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) can be determined. This BMR is the patient's metabolism. If sudden changes occur, blood tests may be given to test hormone levels.
Increased BMR
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When the thyroid becomes overactive, the BMR of the patient will be noticeably elevated. This means the body is burning energy levels greater than normal, which can result in weight loss. The only way to maintain body weight with an extremely overactive thyroid is to proportionately increase the intake of calories consumed each day. The more severe the over activity of the thyroid is, the faster the individual will lose weight. When thyroid disease is treated, the metabolism will be returned to normal.
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