Researchers Show Hormonal And Health Benefits Of Weight Loss On Overweight Women

U.S. researchers have found strong evidence that changes in hormonal signaling are among the main culprits in the links between body weight, lifestyle and the risks of developing cancer and other chronic illnesses. Adipose (fat) tissue produces hormones that affect metabolism, the researchers say. Two important ones are the anti-inflammatory hormone adiponectin, which increases the effect of insulin, and leptin, which can promote tumor cell growth. For the study, 439 overweight postmenopausal women were divided into groups that tried dieting, exercising or dieting plus exercising for a year. No matter which program the women followed, the more weight each participant lost, the more adiponectin levels increased and the more leptin levels decreased.