AOL Article

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Found this article on AOL this AM. Thought everyone might like to read it.

Why do you find yourself heading for a pint of Chunky Monkey after a full

dinner (and when you're already busting out of your pants)? Researchers are

convinced it has a lot to do with hormones. According to Giancoli,

M.P.H.,

R.D., of the American Dietetic Association, hormone levels fluctuate based on

how much sleep you get, how many calories you take in (and when) and what those

calories consist of. Now it seems researchers are zeroing in on four

so-called " fat hormones. "

Ghrelin: A hormone secreted by your gut (tummy and intestines), ghrelin rises

when you haven't noshed in a while and falls after a midday meal. The trick

to keeping ghrelin levels in check? " Don't starve yourself, " says Giancoli,

" and get enough sleep. " Ghrelin levels are higher in people who get less sleep.

Leptin: Leptin is produced by fat cells and it signals the brain to stop

eating. When you lose weight, you lose leptin, too. The result: rebound weight

gain. To lose weight and keep it off, strive for slow steady weight loss -- no

more than one to two pounds per week, says Giancoli.

Obsetatin: Recently identified by Stanford researchers, obestatin slows down

the digestive process. Scientists are still entrenched in the journey of

discovery on this one, but it holds promise. It's probably a safe bet that what

keeps this hormone in check is the same as the others: adequate sleep, balanced

diet and minimal stress.

Cortisol: Low on energy and high on stress? Your cortisol levels are likely

to climb through the roof. Cortisol increases blood sugar, which gives you

energy, but also makes you hungry. Still some research indicates that cortisol

has

no connection to obesity. My anxiety-induced binge fest begs to differ. So

until researchers tease out the truth, relax!

mikee

4/03 310/170