Weight, Hormones & Metabolism Explained by Dr. Nicole Basa
If you’ve ever felt bewildered by your body’s resistance to weight loss, or like the advice you’re getting just isn’t cutting it, you’re not alone. The journey to sustainable weight management is rarely simple, and it’s often fraught with complex biological factors that go far beyond “eat less, move more.”
That’s why we were thrilled to have Dr. Nicole Basa, a highly respected bariatric surgeon, join Dr. Natalie Crawford for a frank and insightful discussion. Dr. Basa brings a unique perspective, combining surgical expertise with a deep understanding of the hormonal and metabolic intricacies that impact weight. She shared invaluable insights, especially for women who feel stuck or unheard on their health journey.
Here are the key takeaways and answers to your burning questions, straight from Dr. Basa:
Q&A with Dr. Nicole Basa: Breaking Down the Biology of Weight
Metabolic Health: The Core of Your Body’s Engine
Q: Dr. Basa, what exactly is metabolic health, and why is it so fundamental to weight management?
Dr. Basa:
“Metabolic health is essentially how well your body processes energy. It’s your body’s ability to efficiently convert food into fuel and manage that fuel. When we talk about weight, we often focus on calories in, calories out but truly, it’s about how your body handles those calories.
Hormones are the key regulators here, dictating everything from how much fat you store to how quickly you burn energy. And yes, genetics play a huge role. We’re all dealt a different hand, which influences our baseline metabolism and our body’s set point the weight it naturally wants to maintain.”
Ever heard stories (or maybe experienced it yourself) where someone loses weight really fast, only to feel tired, weak, and then see the weight creep back on? That’s often because they lost muscle along with fat.
Our SECA body composition analyzer is like your body’s personal data tracker. By checking your body composition at the start and throughout your journey, we can see exactly what you’re losing and make adjustments if you’re losing muscle instead of fat. This science-backed approach keeps your metabolism humming and sets you up for long-term success.
Hormones & Weight Challenges: The Unseen Obstacles
Q: Many women feel frustrated by weight gain, especially around life stages like perimenopause. Can you explain the role of hormones like insulin and estrogen?
Dr. Basa:
“Absolutely. Insulin is probably the most critical hormone in weight management. It’s a storage hormone. If you’re constantly eating foods that spike your blood sugar, your body produces more insulin. Over time, cells can become resistant, requiring even more insulin to do the same job. This high insulin state essentially tells your body, ‘Store fat!’ and this makes losing weight incredibly difficult, even if you’re cutting calories.
Then there’s perimenopause. As estrogen fluctuates and eventually declines, women often see a shift in where they store fat typically around the midsection. This isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a metabolic shift that increases risk for other health issues. Understanding this helps women realize: it’s not your fault, it’s your biology evolving. The same goes for fertility issues, where hormones like insulin and androgens play a key role.”
Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Beyond the Scale
Q: So, knowing all this, what are the most effective strategies for women to implement right now to manage their weight and improve metabolic health?
Dr. Basa:
“First and foremost: protein intake. It’s vital. Protein is incredibly satiating, helps stabilize blood sugar, and preserves muscle mass. Aim for a high-quality protein source at every meal.
That leads directly to the second point: resistance training. Building muscle is non-negotiable for long-term metabolic health. Muscle is metabolically active it burns more calories at rest than fat does. If you’re only doing cardio, you’re missing a huge part of the picture.
And finally, if you’ve hit a plateau, look beyond just calorie cutting. Assess your sleep, your stress levels, and make sure your workouts include progressive resistance. Sometimes, your metabolism needs a strategic ‘shock’ to re-ignite progress.”
Medical Interventions: When Lifestyle Isn’t Enough
Q: For many, lifestyle changes aren’t enough. What medical interventions are available, and how do they work?
Dr. Basa:
“This is where we’ve seen game-changing progress. GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide, mimic natural gut hormones that slow digestion, increase satiety, and reduce the mental ‘food noise’ that can sabotage weight loss. They help reset your body’s weight set point—and for many people, that’s exactly what’s needed to break free from the cycle of gain and regain.
Then there’s bariatric surgery, which remains the most effective long-term treatment for severe obesity and related conditions. Procedures like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass don’t just restrict food intake—they change hormonal signals in the body. Hunger cues drop. Insulin resistance improves. The set point resets.
The most important thing to understand is that these interventions are not a cop-out. They’re powerful tools that work with your biology to give you a fighting chance at long-term success.”
Final Thoughts from Dr. Nicole Basa
If you’ve ever felt dismissed or discouraged in your health journey, know this: there are answers, and there is support. Understanding your metabolic and hormonal health is the first step to reclaiming control and that’s exactly what Dr. Nicole Basa helps her patients do every day.
Ready to Get Unstuck?
Dr. Nicole Basa specializes in advanced, evidence-based care for women who are ready to take back control of their health. Schedule consultation today to explore a customized weight loss strategy that works with your body not against it.
