Blog

The UK is facing a growing obesity crisis, with two-thirds of adults and a rising number of children classified as overweight or obese. A recent UK Parliament briefing highlights alarming trends, including regional and ethnic disparities and increased risks linked to socioeconomic status. While public health strategies continue to evolve, addressing the hormonal root of weight gain may offer a more effective, personalized solution. ZRT Laboratory’s Weight Management Profile helps uncover hidden hormonal imbalances—such as elevated cortisol, low testosterone, or thyroid dysfunction—that contribute to stubborn fat gain, poor metabolism, and increased disease risk.

Discover how saliva and blood cortisol testing reveal adrenal function and help diagnose stress-related hormone imbalances like fatigue, anxiety, and burnout.

Essential and Toxic Elements: What Your Body Might Be Telling You Our bodies rely on a careful balance of essential elements to function optimally, but we're also exposed to potentially toxic elements through everyday environmental and dietary sources. Identifying the right levels of these elements can have a profound impact on health. Let’s explore what each element reveals and how advanced testing methods like dried urine and dried blood spot (DBS) testing provide critical insights. Essential Elements Iodine Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone production (T4 and T3). Found in dairy, seafood, iodized salt, and grains, this nutrient must be...

The Hidden Impact of Essential and Toxic Elements on Our Health Have you ever wondered how the environment around you affects your health on a molecular level? The truth is, every day, we are exposed to a complex mix of essential and toxic elements through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and even the supplements we take. These exposures, whether beneficial or harmful, vary greatly depending on where we live and the choices we make. The Delicate Balance of Essential Elements Essential elements like iodine, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and copper play critical roles in...

The thyroid gland may be small, but it plays a monumental role in maintaining your body’s health. Located in the neck and shaped like a butterfly, this endocrine powerhouse regulates everything from metabolism to mood through the hormones it produces. Yet, thyroid hormone imbalances often go unnoticed—despite affecting millions. According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime, and up to 60% of those affected may not even know it. These disorders are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked, often dismissed as symptoms of stress, ageing, or other common conditions....