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Writer's pictureRowan Tissera

Unlocking The Secrets of Fat Loss: Hormones And Our Species-Specific Diet

Updated: Feb 12


Why is it that millions of people in the UK are struggling to achieve lasting weight loss despite the widespread desire for a leaner and healthier lifestyle?


In fact, a staggering 43% of the population, equating to nearly 27 million individuals, are actively engaged in weight loss efforts


We must pose a question: What is the reason behind the millions of individuals in this nation facing challenges when it comes to achieving and maintaining successful fat loss


Maybe we have it all wrong?


In the pursuit of weight loss and better health, many of us have been told that it's all about "calories in, calories out." This simplistic view suggests that to shed those extra pounds, we should just consume fewer calories than we burn.


But what if I told you that there's more to the story than just counting calories? In this blog, I am going to  explain why the traditional calorie-focused approach does not work for most people and why the real keys to successful weight management lie in our hormones and a species-specific diet.


The Calorie Myth

While calorie intake is undoubtedly a crucial factor in weight management, it's not the whole story.


Countless individuals have embarked on calorie-restricted diets, meticulously tracking every morsel of food, only to find themselves frustrated by slow progress or unsustainable results.


The issue with solely focusing on calories is that it oversimplifies the intricate workings of our metabolism. It overlooks a fundamental aspect: the pivotal role hormones play in controlling how our bodies store and burn fat.


Hormones such as insulin, leptin, and ghrelin hold remarkable sway over our body composition, and their reactions to different foods can be game-changers


Hormones: The Key To Fat Los


Hormones are the body's messengers, governing many physiological processes, including how we store and burn fat. Insulin, for instance, acts as a gatekeeper, allowing glucose into our cells for energy or storage. When insulin is out of balance, it can lead to fat storage, even in the presence of a calorie deficit.


Leptin, known as the satiety hormone, signals to our brain that we're full. On the other hand, ghrelin, often called the hunger hormone, triggers appetite. An imbalance in these hormones can result in insatiable cravings and overeating, despite adhering to calorie limits.


Leptin Regulation: Certain foods high in fibre, protein, and healthy fats can enhance leptin sensitivity, helping you feel full and satisfied. On the other hand, consuming excess sugar and processed foods may disrupt leptin signalling, leading to reduced sensitivity (leptin is not recognised) and increased cravings.


Ghrelin Regulation: Often referred to as the 'hunger hormone,' is influenced by specific macronutrients in our diet. Carbohydrates, particularly high-glycemic carbohydrates like sugary snacks and refined grains, have been shown to stimulate ghrelin production. These foods can lead to rapid spikes in ghrelin levels, making you feel intensely hungry.


To help control ghrelin and maintain stable hunger levels, it's advisable to prioritise balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index. This approach can contribute to more consistent energy levels and reduced feelings of ravenous hunger.


Our Species-Specific Diet

Species-specific diet—a dietary approach that aligns with our evolutionary history. Think of it as an eating pattern that our ancestors would have followed. While this may sound like a throwback to the past, it's rooted in science and holds the key to successful weight management.


Our species-specific diet consists of organ meat, meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, and starchy plants.


By focusing on these foods we can optimise hormonal balance because our body is eating what is was designed to eat. A rabbit eats nothing but grass because that is what is was designed to eat.


Name an animal in the wild that eats anything but their species controlled diet?

Name an animal in the wild that weighs its food and controls portion control?

Name an animal in the wild that has a food addiction?

Name an animal in the wild that has a cheat meal at the weekend?

Name an animal in the wild thats morbidly obese?

Name an animal in the wild that eats for taste rather than for purpose?


You cant name one an animal can you ? P.S elephants and rhinos are not overweight they look exactly the way they were designed to look.


Hormones vs. Calories: The Showdown

In the battle of hormones versus calories, hormones often come out on top when it comes to sustainable weight loss.


Consider this: a 300-calorie serving of sugary cereal affects your hormones and metabolism differently than a 300-calorie portion of lean protein and vegetables.


Sugary foods can cause rapid spikes in insulin levels, leading to fat storage and energy crashes, despite calorie control. On the other hand, a meal rich in protein and fibre can help regulate hormones, promote satiety, and support fat metabolism.


The more sugar and processed foods you eat the more you damage your hormonal system. Instead of eating them and “working them into your calorie count” you need to remove them from your diet.


When you eat the foods you were designed to eat your body will switch hunger on and off as per your energy needs. You will not have as much cravings and you will not overeat leading to easy weight management and a leaner healthier body.


Steps for Success

So, what can you do to regulate hormones and our species-specific diet for successful weight management?


  • Eat Whole Foods: Prioritise nutrient-dense, whole foods like lean meats, fish, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats.

  • Cut Out Processed Foods: Eliminate or greatly minimise highly processed and sugary foods that disrupt hormonal balance.

  • Make A Decision To Change The Way You Eat: If you are unable to give up eating certain foods  you will find it very difficult to stay lean and healthy.

  • Stay Active: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, tailored to your fitness level and goals.

  • Seek Support: Consider joining a program like the Meraki Metabolic Reset to receive guidance and support on your journey.





While calories do matter, they are only part of the equation when it comes to weight management. Hormones and our species-specific diet play a pivotal role in shaping our body composition and overall health. By understanding and optimising these factors, you can achieve sustainable weight loss and improved well-being.


The more you eat sugar, processed foods and junk foods the more deregulated your hormonal system will be and the more cravings you will have.


The only way to get rid of food cravings and stop overeating is to stop eating the junk and only occasionally having it if you must.


The if it fits your macros approach is not the solution to your weight loss management it is the problem that keeps you overweight in the first place.


While you may have been able to “get away with it” when you were younger the older you get the more hormone dis-regulation you get and the harder it is to lose fat and manage your weight.

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