Marla Ahlgrimm | How Overeating Affects Your Hormones

We are all guilty of overindulging on occasion. But Marla Ahlgrimm says that overeating frequently can actually disrupt the body's finely tuned hormonal balance. Read on for more information about excessive food intake and how it can trigger chemical responses you may not have considered.

Insulin And Blood Sugar

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, overeating foods that are high in sugar and refined carbs can lead to elevated insulin levels. Over time, this can cause insulin resistance, which forces the body to produce more insulin than it needs. Higher insulin levels then increase testosterone production, which is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome in women. Insulin resistance can also begin a vicious cycle of weight gain, fatigue, and trouble losing weight.

Leptin And Appetite Control

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that overeating also affects a hormone known as leptin. This is produced by fat cells, and it tells the brain when the body is full. Overeating regularly can cause leptin resistance, so the brain no longer gets the message that the body has had enough. This leads to another unhealthy cycle of eating too much followed by difficulty losing weight. Marla Ahlgrimm points out that leptin resistance can also cause inflammation, which can have further negative effects on a woman's reproductive hormone balance.

The Hunger Hormone Ghrelin

Ghrelin is the body's hunger hormone. Marla Ahlgrimm says that it's responsible for the body telling the brain when it needs sustenance. Erratic eating patterns can stifle the ghrelin response, which confuses hunger and fullness signals. This unwelcome disruption can lead to emotional eating and cravings, which further throw a kink in the chain of a woman's natural hormone regulation pattern.

Cortisol And The Stress Response

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, overeating can also trigger elevated cortisol levels. And because cortisol promotes fat storage, this can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdominal area. Persistent high cortisol levels also interfere with thyroid hormone production, which contributes to fatigue, menstrual irregularities, and anxiety.

Estrogen Dominance

Weight gain caused by overeating can increase the body's estrogen production. Marla Ahlgrimm says this happens because fat tissue converts other hormones into estrogen. And when the body has too much estrogen, you may experience estrogen dominance, which leads to irregular cycles, extreme bloating, mood swings, and exacerbated PMS symptoms. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that estrogen dominance also throws off the balance of the body's progesterone levels. This is especially worsened in perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Inflammation And Gut Health

Overeating, especially high-fat foods, triggers an inflammatory response within the body. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this inflammation can affect hormone receptor sensitivity and eventually cause a gut imbalance, which impacts mood and hormone metabolism.

Reproductive Health Impact

While overeating every now and then is unlikely to cause any significant issues for most women, chronic overeating can affect a woman's reproductive health, says Marla Ahlgrimm. If weight gain and hormone fluctuations lead to irregular ovulation, a woman may have trouble with conception.

Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that food should be looked at as fuel and not something we turn to out of boredom or as our only source of comfort when we are upset. Although a few indulgences now and then are no cause for concern, chronic overeating can have a profound and long-lasting effect on a woman's body. Marla Ahlgrimm recommends that women who are concerned with their dietary habits contact a nutritionist or other professional for guidance.