Is Ghrelin to Blame for Your Weight Gain?

My mother always said, "nothing good happens after midnight." Seems that this advice can not only pertain to a teenager's curfew but also to a diet plan. Can your weight gain or inability to lose weight be blamed on Ghrelin? This is the hormone that stimulates your hunger. One of the major causes for increased levels of Ghrelin in the body is "partial sleep deprivation."  

The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recently published an article titled: "Partial Sleep Deprivation and Energy Balance in Adults." In the article, partial sleep deprivation is defined as less than six hours of sleep per night.  

If you are staying up past your suggested bedtime, the brain signals the need to increase Ghrelin in order to give your body the extra calories it assumes is needed to accommodate the additional hours. Often times these additional calories aren't necessary though considering the additional hours are usually spent enduring sedentary behaviors. Disturbed sleep habits also tend to increase cortisol levels - the hormone that promotes fat storage.  

Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night and you will notice a change in your appetite, energy levels, and perhaps your pants size.

For more information on nutrition and weight loss please contact Casey McKinney RD, LDN, CDE at WholesomeNutritionRD@Gmail.com or by phone at 215-675-4535 x125. Health insurances are accepted!