It’s common knowledge that obesity can lead to a string of diseases, which include heart problems, diabetes, and even cancer. However, experts believe that hormonal fluctuations may be one of the reasons behind it. According to a report on ScienceDaily.com, a proper regulation of hormones through exercise and nutrition may lead to individuals less prone to chronic diseases.

To prove this theory, Prof. Dr. Cornelia Ulrich from the National Center from Tumor Diseases in Heidelberg and her team worked with 439 overweight postmenopausal women above 50 years old. The participants were separated into three intervention groups: the diet group, the exercise group, and the diet+exercise group. The volunteers were observed for a year.

The results were favorable: all groups managed to lower their leptin count (which is responsible for tumor growth) during the duration of the study, but the lowest was at an average of 40 percent from the diet+exercise group. Regardless of intervention group, all participants who managed to lose weight also raised their levels of adiponectin, which is an anti-inflammatory hormone.

There is no such thing as an easy way to lose weight. It needs a lot of effort and dedication to stick to a good diet and a healthy regimen, so make sure to choose those that are right for you.

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(Photo by Ernst Moeksis via Flickr Creative Commons)