Are you struggling with your weight and find that no matter what you do, you can’t seem to manage your appetite or cravings? If that’s the case, it could be due to your hunger hormones being out of balance.

Your hormones control everything from your mood, metabolism, and appetite, and when they are not working together correctly, it can lead to weight gain, mood swings, and an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

The good news is that there are ways to assess your hunger hormones and get them back in sync. Here are three proven ways to accurately assess your hunger hormones:.

1. Get a Blood Test

One of the most accurate ways to assess your hunger hormones is to get a blood test. Blood tests can measure your levels of several hormones that control your appetite, including:.

Leptin – Leptin is a hormone produced by your fat cells that signals your brain when you’ve had enough to eat.
Ghrelin – Ghrelin is a hormone produced by your stomach that signals your brain when you’re hungry.
Insulin – Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that helps regulate your blood sugar levels.
Cortisol – Cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause weight gain if it’s chronically elevated.

Your doctor can order a blood test that measures these hormones and others that may be contributing to your appetite and cravings.

Once you have your results, you can work with your doctor to develop a plan to balance your hormones and manage your appetite.

2. Keep a Food Diary

Another way to assess your hunger hormones is to keep a food diary. By logging what you eat and when you eat it, you can start to see patterns in your appetite and cravings.

For example, you may notice that you tend to crave carbohydrates in the afternoon or that you’re always hungry after a workout.

Keeping a food diary can also help you identify triggers that may be causing your appetite to surge. For example, you may notice that you’re always hungry when you’re stressed or that you tend to eat more when you’re feeling down.

Once you identify your triggers, you can work on strategies to manage them and avoid overeating.

There are several apps and websites that make it easy to keep a food diary, or you can simply use a journal or notebook to track your meals and snacks.

3. Measure Your Waist Circumference

Your waist circumference is a simple but effective way to assess your hunger hormones.

When your hunger hormones are out of balance, you’re more likely to carry excess weight around your midsection, which can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.

To measure your waist circumference, use a tape measure to measure around your waist at the level of your belly button.

For women, a waist circumference of more than 35 inches is considered high, while for men, a waist circumference of more than 40 inches is considered high.

If your waist circumference is high, it’s a sign that your hunger hormones may be out of balance. Working with a healthcare professional can help you manage your hormones and improve your overall health.

Conclusion

Assessing your hunger hormones is an important step in managing your appetite and achieving a healthy weight.

By getting a blood test, keeping a food diary, and measuring your waist circumference, you can gain insight into your hormonal balance and work on strategies to manage your diet and lifestyle. With the right tools and support, you can take control of your health and achieve your wellness goals.