Fat 2 Fit #94 – Weight Loss Hormones


Written on April 14, 2010 – 11:38 pm | by Russ Turley

There are thousands of hormones in the human body. Which of these hormones can we manipulate to help us lose weight? Russ’ wife asked about a couple of hormones that she read about in YOU: On a Diet. The hormones, leptin and ghrelin, as well as the hormones secreted by the thyroid can have an impact on your weight loss. Even though she probably won’t ever hear this show, Russ and Jeff take a look at these hormone and give you the scoop.

Three emails are answered this show. First, Terry wrote in and asked about forefoot running. In particular, she wanted to know about the Vibram 5 Fingers shoes and whether they are a worthwhile purchase. Second, Amanpal asks whether his genes will pre-determine whether he will be fat. His parents are overweight and he seems destined to follow in their footsteps. Last, Becc wants to know if she can bank her workout calories from the weekend instead of working out every day. Her new work schedule has caused this change to her workouts.

In the Web Report, Jeff has been watching Kirstie Alley’s Big Life. There are definitely better shows on TV, but that’s the way he rolls. She’s now peddling weight loss pills that she “developed” after she gained back the weight she lost on Jenny Craig. Russ has an article that reports on a study that showed sitting for many hours a day does more harm than you might think. Even if you are working out once a day, it may not be enough to counteract the long sedentary hours at your desk.

Links Mentioned in the Show:
Thyroid hormones
Sitting for prolonged periods is bad for you
Kirstie Alley, staying big
NIH research on Leptin and ghrelin
Forefoot Running in Flip Flops
NJ Sports Med Videos on Forefoot Running
Newton Running forefoot video
Forefoot running article on That’s Fit

Recipe of the Week:
Protein Pancakes

Homework:
Fat loss is all about making those little decisions every single day, that over time add up to improving your health. The homework this week is to make “intentional substitutions”. The goal is to make 1 food substitution and 1 exercise substitution every single day to something that is more healthy. So for example, if you are about to order your regular sandwich and fries, substitute a garden salad for the fries. If you are about to park in the closest spot to the shopping center, substitute that spot for one at the back of the parking lot. Over time, these substitutions will add up, and the more that you do, the healthier you will become.

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  1. 5 Responses to “Fat 2 Fit #94 – Weight Loss Hormones”

  2. By Ani on Apr 15, 2010 | Reply

    Jeff, I love when you go on tangents! Its awesome :-)

    Also, You guys said there would be links for forefoot running? I’ve neer heard of that before and I have bad knees and have been training for a half marathon since January! Thanks!

    <3 Ani

  3. By Russ Turley on Apr 15, 2010 | Reply

    You’re right Ani. I did say that there would be links, and now there are. Thanks for the catch.

  4. By Wendy on Apr 16, 2010 | Reply

    Great podcast, Again! I’ve enjoyed all the podcasts, and this one was especially thought-provoking for me. I’ve read a lot about hormones and the effect they have on your weight, but I was always left confused. You guys broke it down to where it makes sense to me. It all boils down to a healthy lifestyle will help keep your hormones in check which in turn, helps keep you at a healthy weight. That makes sense!
    I find information like this to be especially helpful. The more I know about the adverse affects of an unhealthy lifestyle, the more committed I am to keeping up with my healthy lifestyle.
    Jeff, your commitment to figuring out the complexities of weight-loss and breaking it down into sensible information is awesome. I love how you explain the science behind your advice. And, your rants are always entertaining!
    Russ, your weight-loss journey is inspiring. Thanks for the courage you show every podcast when you share your successes with us. I’m especially inspired by the fact that you are doing this journey while living a “normal” busy life. You have not had to turn into a “gym rat” or drastically change your eating habits to make these changes in your life. Small changes, made consistently, can lead to Big Changes. I like that!
    This podcast is the best place for common sense weight loss and healthy lifestyle information. Keep up the great work!

  5. By Pamela Hernandez on Apr 19, 2010 | Reply

    Thanks for the shout out! Hope you enjoy the recipe. I like the pancakes with blueberries on top. You haven’t heard of brinner, i.e. breakfast for dinner before? :)

    I hope to have a new protein pancake version to share soon, of my own design. First taste test is this week. Cross your fingers.

  6. By Linda on Apr 21, 2010 | Reply

    You got my curiosity up so I found the Organic Liasons website Kirstie is hawking. One big question would be if this is 2 years in development, why hasn’t she been testing it along the way? I can think of lot better ways to invest $5 a day in my healthier lifestyle. And just like all the other pills & potions, it does say you need to eat properly. Hmmm…

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