INTRODUCTION
Most people who are trying to lose weight are told to eat a low-calorie diet or start a rigorous exercise routine. However, it is important to understand that a lot of factors contribute to a person’s increasing weight.
Stress, thyroid, and excessive sugar intake can make it harder to lose pounds, but one aspect many people ignore is insulin resistance.
There is a clear link between diabetes and weight gain, with over 85% of people with Type 2 diabetes experiencing obesity. In this blog, we’ll decode the role insulin plays in weight gain.
WHAT IS INSULIN?
Simply put, insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. It is produced during digestion for two reasons - helping the organs absorb glucose and regulating blood sugar levels.
This hormone is essential for the body’s uptake of glucose, which then either gets broken down for energy or gets converted to fat for long term storage.
DECODING INSULIN RESISTANCE’S ROLE
For a healthy person with a moderate sugar or calorie intake, the levels stay balanced. But if a person’s bloodstream has a high amount of sugar for a long time, the pancreas goes into overdrive. The cells don’t absorb insulin efficiently, leading to excessive amounts of the hormone in the body.
This leads to insulin resistance, and more conversion of glucose to fat in and around the organs
HOW INSULIN RESISTANCE INCREASES WEIGHT
INCREASED FAT STORAGE
When cells become resistant to insulin, the organs are unable to use glucose for their functioning and start storing it as fat. The higher insulin levels in the blood cause more storage around the abdomen and internal organs, creating visceral fat.
IRREGULAR APPETITE
Insulin resistance can also affect hormones that regulate appetite, making people hungrier and increasing the urge for high-calorie items. This leads to people consuming items which are high in sugar, further adding to their weight. The cells are starved of energy, which leads to more hunger.
SLOW METABOLISM
The body’s metabolism takes a hit with higher insulin levels. It is unable to break down carbohydrates and fats, making it harder to burn stubborn visceral fat. This slowed metabolism not only causes resistance to weight loss but also makes a person slow, irritable and lethargic.
MANAGING INSULIN RESISTANCE FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT
Most people who develop insulin resistance are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and other concerns like low energy and weight gain. With timely action and some lifestyle changes, here are some things you can try for optimising your weight management journey:
PLAN YOUR DIET CAREFULLY
Seeking guidance from a nutritionist can help you achieve your weight goals sustainably. Focus on reducing your glucose intake, trying portion control and taking multivitamins to help with lethargy.
NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS
Along with lifestyle changes, it also is recommended to aid your insulin resistance with natural supplements. Natural insulin-sensitising ingredients like Berberine are great for long-term blood sugar levels and improving metabolic function.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Regular exercise plays a big role in tackling insulin resistance. Through movement, cells respond to insulin signals better, aiding glucose uptake by the body and reducing fat storage. Some light exercise on rest days like walking or jogging can make a difference too.
CONCLUSION
Understanding insulin resistance may just be the key to unlocking your weight goals. By aiding your body’s needs with natural supplements, weight management can become result-oriented, sustainable and long-lasting. With a blend of holistic strategies and expert-backed plans, you can take charge of your weight and transform into a healthier version of yourself.
