Women and Weight Gain: Insulin Resistance Explained

If you are a woman who struggles with weight gain, especially around the abdomen, you may have a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a metabolic disorder that affects how your body uses glucose, the main source of energy for your cells. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter your cells, where it is used or stored. When you have insulin resistance, your cells do not respond well to insulin, and glucose builds up in your blood. This causes your pancreas to produce more insulin, creating a vicious cycle that can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.

Insulin resistance can affect women of any age, but it is more common after menopause when estrogen levels decline. Estrogen helps regulate glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, so when it drops, your risk of insulin resistance increases. Other factors that can contribute to insulin resistance include genetics, obesity, physical inactivity, stress, poor diet, and certain medications.

The good news is that insulin resistance can be reversed with lifestyle changes and medical treatment. At Complete Healthcare for Women, we offer comprehensive care for women with insulin resistance and related conditions. Our experienced OB-GYN Dr. Lorenzo and Kortney Jones ARNP will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and blood tests to diagnose insulin resistance and rule out other causes of weight gain. They will also create a personalized treatment plan that may include medication, dietary counseling, exercise recommendations, and hormone therapy.

If you are concerned about weight gain and insulin resistance, don't hesitate to contact us today. We are here to help you achieve optimal health and wellness at every stage of life.

Complete Healthcare for Women - Obstetrics and Gynecology

509-392-6700

Richard Lorenzo, D.O.

Kortney Jones ARNP

Author

Kortney Jones, ARNP Kortney Jones is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She provides ob-gyn services including birth control, pregnancy and prenatal care, and infertility as well as gynecological services such as women’s health and wellness, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, pellet hormone therapy, and menopause.