I found a link to this article today about Hormones and Body Fat and it is a fascinating read! If you are trying to lose weight or maintain your current weight, this is a must read.

This part is particularly fascinating. "A new study published this year in the May 16^th issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association shows what we have always known.  People respond differently to diets based on their individual nature.  This study was interesting because it showed the determining factor for success or failure with a diet was hormonal responses in the body.  The goal was to use two different diets that affected insulin differently and see how these diets performed in people with varying insulin responses.

The diets compared were a low carbohydrate diet (40 % carbohydrate and 35% fat) and a low fat diet (55% carbohydrate and 20% fat).  In this study “apples” (individuals who store fat primarily in the midsection) were compared to “pears” (people who tend to store fat in the hips and thighs). Apples secrete more insulin after meals and pears secrete less. The apples lost more weight on the low carbohydrate diet and were able to maintain that weight loss for 18 months. The pears lost weight on both diets as long as the calories were reduced.  Pears lost weight more slowly and tended to regain weight more quickly.  What this study showed is that body shape and hormonal influence play a role in responses to dietary interventions."

I am more of an apple. And this next part explains A LOT for me! "As cortisol rises and progesterone falls women in particular will begin to develop fat storage at the belly.  Working to lower stress by engaging in cortisol lowering exercise like yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation will help as will high intensity shorter duration cardio and weight training."  I think as I approach 45yrs old, I have declining progesterone. I know my cortisol is likely high since I'm type A and I do not take the time to unwind and relax. Tai Cheng is certainly helping with that. Insanity and Asylum certainly covers the high intensity cardio! And I have P90X/X2/ and Les Mills PUMP for weight training. So perhaps I'm on the right track...the track is just longer than I thought I would be!