Fit but Fat: Hormones Explain Indians' Belly Fat

• Many Indians appear "fit but fat" despite regular exercise and healthy eating, often due to increased belly fat and reduced muscle mass.
• This phenomenon is attributed to imbalances in key hormones like ghrelin, leptin, incretin, and insulin, as explained by Dr. Abhijit Bhogaraj.
• Irregular sleep and stress can increase ghrelin (hunger) and decrease leptin (satiety), leading to overeating, higher blood sugar, and insulin insensitivity.
• A dysfunctional digestive system can weaken incretin release, delaying insulin and raising post-meal glucose, contributing to hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance.
• Even physically active individuals can accumulate visceral fat due to these hormonal reactions, impacting metabolism and increasing the risk of metabolic diseases.

Why It Matters: Hormonal imbalances, not just diet, explain 'fit but fat' in Indians.