---
title: Hormones and Weight Gain Support in Sevenoaks
date: 2026-06-03T09:49:00+01:00
author: Paulina Charlesworth
canonical_url: "https://drcharlesworth.co.uk/weight-loss/hormones-and-weight"
section: Weight Loss
---
Correcting the imbalance

## Understanding How Hormonal Imbalance Affects Weight Loss, Appetite and Metabolism

Hormones play a central role in regulating weight, appetite, fat storage, energy levels and metabolism. When these hormones become imbalanced due to stress, perimenopause, menopause, thyroid dysfunction, PCOS or life changes, losing weight can feel extremely difficult, even with a healthy diet.

At her GP-led clinic in Sevenoaks, Dr Paulina Charlesworth specialises in identifying whether hormonal factors are contributing to weight gain or preventing weight loss. By understanding your hormonal picture, your weight loss programme can be tailored to your biology, not generic advice.

Hormonal weight gain is not about willpower. It’s physiological and treatable.

**How Hormones Influence Weight**

1\. Cortisol (Stress Hormone)

When chronically elevated, cortisol can:

- increase cravings (especially sugar and carbs)
- encourage fat storage around the abdomen
- disrupt sleep, worsening appetite and hunger
- slow metabolic rate

This is why stress and weight gain often appear together.

2\. Insulin (Blood Sugar Regulation)

Insulin resistance, commonly associated with perimenopause, PCOS or genetics, can cause:

- increased fat storage
- difficulty losing weight
- strong hunger and energy crashes
- carb cravings

GLP-1 medications are often effective because they directly support insulin regulation.

**3. Thyroid Hormones (T3, T4, TSH)**

Underactive thyroid (even mild) can lead to:

- weight gain
- slow metabolism
- constipation
- fatigue
- cold intolerance

Thyroid issues often go undiagnosed for years without targeted testing.

**4. Oestrogen & Progesterone (Female Hormones)**

Perimenopause and menopause cause natural hormonal shifts that may result in:

- midsection weight gain
- increased appetite
- reduced muscle mass
- water retention
- sleep disturbance
- mood fluctuations

Many women notice weight changes despite no changes in diet, this is hormonal, not behavioural.

**5. Ghrelin & Leptin (Hunger Hormones)**

When these are dysregulated:

- leptin resistance reduces satiety
- ghrelin spikes increase hunger
- evening eating becomes more likely

GLP-1 medications help correct this imbalance.

Hormonal assessments

## Signs Your Weight Challenges May Be Hormonal

You may benefit from a hormonal assessment if you experience:

- stubborn weight gain around the abdomen or hips
- difficulty losing weight despite healthy habits
- strong cravings or increased evening appetite
- irregular or changing menstrual cycles
- mood swings or anxiety
- fatigue, low energy or brain fog
- changes linked to perimenopause or menopause
- slow digestion or constipation

If these patterns feel familiar, hormonal imbalance may be the root cause.

**How Dr Paulina Treats Hormone-Related Weight Gain**

A GP-led approach looks at your full health profile, not just weight.

**1. Hormone & Metabolic Testing (If indicated)**

This may include:

- thyroid panel
- female hormone profile
- menopause blood tests
- insulin resistance or metabolic markers
- vitamin D or B12 testing (common contributors to fatigue + cravings)

Testing helps build a clear picture of why your weight may not be responding.

**2. Personalised Treatment Plan**

Depending on your results and symptoms, your plan may include:

- GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy or Ozempic)
- microdosing for sensitive responders
- appetite and cravings regulation
- metabolic and insulin support
- guidance for eating patterns that stabilise hormones
- stress and sleep strategies

Every element is tailored to your physiology.

**3. Ongoing GP Monitoring**

Regular reviews ensure that:

- your treatment remains safe
- hormones are stabilising
- side effects are addressed early
- weight loss progresses sustainably

This level of oversight is one of the main differences between GP-led care and pharmacy only services.

## Frequently Asked Questions

- Can hormones really stop me losing weight? Yes. Hormones regulate appetite, metabolism, fat storage and energy. When imbalanced, weight loss becomes much harder, even with a healthy lifestyle.
- Do I need hormone testing? Testing is helpful if your symptoms or weight changes suggest hormonal involvement. Dr Paulina will advise if it is clinically appropriate.
- Will GLP-1 medications help with hormone related weight gain? Yes, because they support insulin regulation, appetite control and cravings. They can be especially helpful during perimenopause.
- Is perimenopause the reason my weight changed suddenly? Many women see weight changes in their 40s due to fluctuating hormones — especially around the abdomen. This is common and treatable.
- Can hormonal weight gain be reversed? Absolutely. With the right medical plan, hormonal balance and weight can both be improved.