Hormone Health Hub: Expert Insights on Testing, Balance & Better Living — Stress & Weight

There are a number of reasons why someone may have belly fat, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and hormonal imbalances. Here are a few possible explanations: Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to storing more fat in their abdominal area. Poor diet: Eating a diet that is high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to weight gain, including belly fat. Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain, including the accumulation of belly fat. Hormonal changes: As we age, hormonal changes can lead to a redistribution of body fat, with more of it accumulating...

By Dr Nina Silberstein, BA. Women who are in perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause sometimes feel like they’re living in a different body. Many have a hard time losing or controlling their weight—whether it’s due to shifting and declining hormones and a slowing down of metabolism combined with stress. We sat down with integrative physician, Jade Teta, to talk about the role of hormones and weight, why he thinks some women are having difficulty losing or controlling their weight, and what they can do about it. As a practitioner of naturopathic medicine, Dr. Teta is an expert in nutrition, exercise, and...

  By Nina Silberstain, BA The COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified what we already know: Working in health care can be stressful. A survey conducted by Mental Health America between June-September 2020 of 1,119 health care workers found that 93% were experiencing stress in addition to anxiety, frustration, exhaustion, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed. (1) Why Is Self-Care So Hard? Without a doubt, a large part of taking care of yourself is managing your stress levels. People attracted to the world of health care are often empathetic and caregivers by nature. Providing care can be rewarding but at the same time it...

Obesity is not simply a matter of calories in versus calories out. Chronic stress triggers a cascade of hormonal changes — elevated cortisol, depleted DHEA, disrupted leptin signalling and imbalanced sex hormones — that actively drive visceral fat storage and metabolic dysfunction. This article explains the biochemistry of stress-related weight gain and why understanding your hormone levels is key to breaking the cycle.