London: Do you have a body bugbear an area with which you’re never happy, no matter how toned you are otherwise? Well, experts say there may be a scientific reason behind it be it a muffin top, chunky ankles, or bingo wings. For research shows excess weight may gather in certain areas, regardless of how much you diet or exercise, as a result of hormone imbalances.
‘Our metabolism is complex. There are lots of reasons people are different shapes, but hormones are key,’ explains Saffron Whitehead, a professor of physiology at St George’s Hospital in London. ‘Lifestyle, diet and genetics play a part,’ adds Max Tomlinson, a nutritionist and the author of Target Your Fat Spots. ‘The good news is, there are lots you can do to redress the balance by changing hormone levels.’
Here, experts reveal the surprising causes of carrying a bit extra — and how to lose it.
JELLY BELLY
THE CULPRIT: Cortisol
Our bodies evolved to react to danger by producing the stress hormone cortisol, to trigger the release of energy for the ‘fight or flight response. ‘We are constantly under stress,’ says Dr Marilyn Glenville, a nutritionist specialising in women’s health. ‘Our excess cortisol sparks the release of energy in the form of fat and glucose. ‘This is redeposited as fat around your middle, near the liver. We think this is so it can quickly change back into energy if needed.’
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
‘Reduce stress — for example, with meditation or by listening to relaxing music,’ says Dr Glenville. ‘Eat little and often to keep blood sugar levels stable, as fluctuations can trigger cortisol release.’ Eat foods with a low glycemic load, such as apples, wholegrain bread or cashews, which slowly release energy. And avoid running for 45 minutes or more — this can, in fact, trigger cortisol production.
BIG BOTTOM AND CHUNKY THIGHS
THE CULPRIT: Oestrogen
Too much oestrogen can cause fat to build in the bottom and thighs. Those fat cells manufacture more oestrogen, and, in turn, more fat is stored. Drinking too much alcohol means the liver can’t clear oestrogen from the blood.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Soya supplements may reduce oestrogen production, as they mimic oestrogen, stopping the real thing from binding with cells. But ‘as we know so little about this, Professor Whitehead warns against taking large amounts. ‘Nutrients in cruciferous veg such as broccoli regulate liver enzymes,’ says Dr Glenville. Limit processed meat and coffee, too, as these stress the liver.
CANKLES AND CALVES
THE CULPRIT: Progesterone
Dr Glenville says fat ankles are often the result of fluid retention, which can be caused by a lack of progesterone. Progesterone acts as a diuretic, flushing excess liquid from the body. Bulging calves may be made worse by low levels of human growth hormone, which seems to prompt fat storage in the legs.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Nutritionist Max Tomlinson says: ‘Foods rich in vitamin E may boost progesterone. These include sunflower seeds and peanut butter.’ Also reduce your intake of sodium, as this is key in regulating blood pressure and fluid levels, which can help with water retention in the legs and ankles. Avoid processed food such as ready meals. And to boost human growth hormone, get plenty of sleep HGH is only released at night in adults
