Most people with obesity are aware of the fact that this condition has a wide variety of causes. One factor that can impact a person’s weight involves hormonal imbalances.

“I’m 100 percent sure my weight has to do with my hormones,” one MyObesityTeam member said. Another replied, “I have a doctor’s appointment to talk about my hormones and my weight.”

A type of doctor called an endocrinologist can help you find out whether hormones are impacting your weight. Read on to learn more about how endocrinologists can treat obesity and support your long-term health goals.

What Is an Endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in hormones and in caring for your endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of glands throughout your body. These glands control the release of hormones.

Hormones are chemical messengers. They regulate your metabolism — how your body turns food into energy. Hormones also control growth, mood, and other important functions. If your hormones are out of balance, you’re at risk for developing health conditions. These may include diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or thyroid disease.

Hormone imbalances can also affect your weight. If you develop obesity due to a hormone imbalance, you may need to seek care from an endocrinologist.

The Link Between Hormones and Obesity

In the U.S., 2 out of 5 adults have body mass index (BMI) scores in the obese range. Newer obesity research and treatments have focused on hormones affecting metabolism, appetite, and fat storage. Some types of hormone imbalances can cause weight gain and may make weight loss harder.

For example, hormones that control hunger and fullness can get out of sync. These are called ghrelin and leptin. This may cause you to feel hungrier than normal or have trouble feeling full. Stress and poor sleep can also cause hormonal changes. This may increase food cravings and cause your body to store fat.

How Do Endocrinologists Treat Obesity?

Lifestyle changes like eating healthy foods and exercising are important for overall wellness, but endocrinologists go beyond this to treat obesity. These specialists work with you to treat hormonal causes of weight gain. Here are three ways they can help.

1. Endocrinologists Check for Hormonal Imbalances

Endocrinologists can look for hormone-related conditions that can cause weight gain or prevent weight loss. These may include:

• Hypothyroidism — Also called an underactive thyroid, this condition happens when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can cause a slow metabolism and weight gain. Your doctor can request blood tests to rule out hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroiditis (which will lead to hypothyroidism in time).
• Cushing’s syndrome — With this syndrome, the body produces too much cortisol (a stress hormone), leading to weight gain in the abdomen and face. Your doctor can diagnose Cushing syndrome through a saliva cortisol test or a dexamethasone suppression test.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — This condition is partly caused by too much of the hormone androgen. PCOS causes cysts on the ovaries and can lead to metabolic syndrome and obesity. An endocrinologist can diagnose PCOS through blood tests, but you will also need a pelvic ultrasound from a gynecologist.
• Insulin resistance — Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and obesity is a risk factor for developing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can be diagnosed with blood tests.
• Low levels of testosterone or estrogen (especially after menopause) — These can cause loss of muscle mass, increases in fatty deposits, weight gain, and bone loss.

If an endocrine disorder is contributing to obesity, treating that disorder may help with weight management. Endocrinologists use a variety of tests to check hormone imbalances. These tests can also evaluate thyroid or insulin levels. Tests may include:

• Blood tests to measure the levels of specific hormones like estrogen or thyroid hormone
• Imaging studies to look for issues that may be raising hormone levels
• Urine tests to measure the amount of specific hormones like cortisol

They can use that information to treat hormone levels that are out of balance. They can also use the data to discover whether you may have other underlying conditions that cause weight gain.

2. Endocrinologists Prescribe Weight-Loss Medications

There are many obesity treatment options. Endocrinologists can prescribe weight-loss medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These can help with appetite control or metabolism.

Common medications an endocrinologist may prescribe to treat obesity include:

• Appetite suppressants — These medications, which include phentermine and naltrexone-bupropion, help you eat less or feel full faster.
• Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists — These medications, which include semaglutide and liraglutide, help control hunger and blood sugar levels.
• Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists — These dual medications include tirzepatide.
• Metformin — This medication is often used for diabetes but has helped some people with weight loss.

• Orlistat — This medication reduces the absorption of dietary fats to help with weight loss, but it can cause digestive side effects.

3. Endocrinologists Help You Manage Your Metabolic Health

Obesity can lead to metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of health issues that can lead to cardiovascular (heart) disease. Symptoms may include:

• Excess belly fat
• High blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

Endocrinologists can work with you to address these issues and improve metabolic health. They monitor blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and other markers to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

When Should You See an Endocrinologist?

You might benefit from seeing an endocrinologist if:

• You experience symptoms of hormonal imbalances, such as extreme fatigue, irregular periods, or sudden weight gain.
• You have diabetes, PCOS, or thyroid issues and need specialized care.
• You want medical support for safe and effective weight management.

Many MyObesityTeam members turn to endocrinologists for weight loss care and support. For instance, one member wrote, “Today has been a great day. I went to the endocrinologist to see how my levels are, and I lost more weight, which I’m super happy about.”

Another said, “I got a great medication from my endocrinologist that helps me with weight loss.”

How Do Endocrinologists Differ From Other Weight-Loss Specialists?

Many healthcare providers can help with weight loss. What sets endocrinologists apart is that they focus on hormonal causes of obesity. They then offer medical treatments specific to these causes. If your weight gain is related to hormones or metabolism, an endocrinologist may be the right choice for you.

An endocrinologist may be one member of your broader healthcare team. Other members of your team may include:

• A nutritionist or dietitian to help you develop a healthy eating plan
• Your primary care doctor for routine healthcare needs
• A bariatric surgeon if you’re a candidate for weight loss surgery

Obesity Requires Long-Term Support

Obesity is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Endocrinologists provide ongoing care, adjust medications, and monitor progress to help you stay on track. They also work closely with other providers, such as bariatric specialists and dietitians. That allows the entire care team to focus on your overall health and not just on one feature.

If you aren’t sure how to find an endocrinologist, ask your primary care doctor for a referral.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyObesityTeam is the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones. On MyObesityTeam, more than 56,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

Do you see an endocrinologist for obesity? Have you been diagnosed with a hormone imbalance? Share your experience in the comments below, start a conversation by posting on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.