Weight Loss Test

The Home Test Box Weight Loss Test is an at-home test that measures hormones and markers that can affect your energy and metabolism: estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, TSH, HbA1c, hs-CRP, and vitamin D. Together, these hormones offer a comprehensive overview of your hormonal balance and how it may affect your ability to lose weight. 

The Home Test Box Comprehensive Fitness Test measures the following markers:

• DHEA
• Cortisol
• Testosterone
• TSH
• hs-CRP
• 25-OH Vitamin D
• HbA1c
• Estradiol
• Progesterone

A weight loss test may benefit men and women experiencing symptoms like unexplained weight gain, difficulty losing weight, fatigue, or reduced muscle mass.

Estradiol is a type of estrogen, a hormone that is primarily produced in the ovaries in women. Men produce estrogen too, but in much smaller amounts than women. Estrogen levels can play a role in weight regulation, and changes in estrogen levels can affect body weight and body composition.

Estradiol is known to have a direct effect on fat storage and distribution in the body. High estradiol levels can cause increased fat storage in the hips and thighs, leading to a higher body mass index (BMI) and a higher percentage of body fat.

Additionally, estradiol can also affect appetite and metabolism, which can contribute to weight gain. In postmenopausal women, the decline in estrogen levels can cause a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in fat mass, which can also lead to weight gain.

Sources:

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone made by the adrenal glands and liver. It plays a role in estrogen and testosterone production. 

DHEA levels tend to decrease with age, which has been linked to reduced muscle mass, strength, and bone density. 

While some preliminary research suggests that DHEA may have a role in weight loss by increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat, others show little effect on weight.  Therefore, more research is needed to understand the effects of DHEA on weight loss fully and to determine its safety and effectiveness as a weight loss supplement. 

It’s important to note that the FDA does not approve DHEA supplements for weight loss, and it's not well understood how they interact with other medications or supplements. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

For athletes, DHEA is banned by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Sources: 

Endocrine Society. Adrenal Hormones. Endocrine.org. Published January 24, 2022. Accessed January 13, 2023. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/adrenal-hormones

Saling J. DHEA Supplements. WebMD. Published October 2, 2012. Accessed January 13, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/diet/dhea-supplements

C-reactive protein (CRP) increases in response to inflammation. The Home Test Box Weight Loss Test uses a high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test because it is more sensitive than a standard CRP test when measuring baseline concentrations and enables a measure of chronic inflammation. 

Physical fitness and regular exercise have been shown to decrease hs-CRP levels, likely due to the anti-inflammatory effects of regular physical activity. Regular exercise can also help to lower other markers of inflammation and improve overall cardiovascular health.

However, it's important to note that HS-CRP is not a direct indicator of fitness, and other factors such as diet, stress, and smoking can also affect hs-CRP levels. Additionally, it's important to consult a healthcare professional if you have a high HS-CRP level to rule out any underlying medical condition.

Sources:

Vepsäläinen T, Soinio M, Marniemi J, et al. Physical Activity, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, and Total and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(7):1492-1496. doi:10.2337/dc11-0469

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. While it is commonly referred to as the "stress hormone," cortisol has many essential functions. It is involved in managing how your body uses macronutrients, regulating blood pressure and blood sugar, and controlling the sleep-wake cycle. 

In healthy amounts, cortisol helps control and regulate energy metabolism, which can influence weight. 

However, chronically elevated cortisol can slow our metabolism and hinder weight loss. Over time, chronic stress and overproduction of cortisol can contribute to decreased muscle mass, strength, endurance, and motivation to exercise. It can also lead to chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, and depression, negatively affecting physical and mental well-being and overall fitness.

Sources:

Hackney AC, Walz EA. Hormonal adaptation and the stress of exercise training: the role of glucocorticoids. Trends in sport sciences. 2013;20(4):165-171. Accessed January 13, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5988244/

Testosterone is the primary androgen, meaning it stimulates the development of male characteristics.

Although it's commonly referred to as the "male sex hormone," testosterone is found in men and women. However, women produce much less testosterone than men. 

In general, higher testosterone levels can promote muscle growth and increase strength, enhancing physical fitness. Testosterone is also essential for maintaining bone density, which can decrease the risk of osteoporosis.

In addition to its physical effects, testosterone can impact mental and emotional well-being. It can also influence mood, energy levels, and libido, affecting motivation, physical activity engagement, and other factors contributing to weight loss.

Sources:

Testosterone Levels Test. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2019. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/testosterone-levels-test/

Testosterone: What It Is, Function & Levels. Cleveland Clinic. Published 2022. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24101-testosterone 

Vingren JL, Kraemer WJ, Ratamess NA, Anderson JM, Volek JS, Maresh CM. Testosterone physiology in resistance exercise and training: the up-stream regulatory elements. Sports Med. 2010;40(12):1037-1053. doi:10.2165/11536910-000000000-00000

TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the production of T4 (thyroxine) and (T43) triiodothyronine. These hormones are essential for various processes, including metabolism, heart rate, and digestion. 

TSH levels outside the normal range can lead to numerous side effects. High levels of TSH can indicate an underactive thyroid, which can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. 

On the other hand, low TSH levels can indicate an overactive thyroid, which can cause weight loss, rapid heart rate, and other symptoms.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for absorbing calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for healthy bones and teeth. It also plays a role in the immune system and muscle function.

Regarding weight loss, vitamin D has been shown to increase muscle protein synthesis, strength, jump height and power, exercise capacity, and physical performance.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone loss, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of fractures. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with decreased muscle function, strength, and endurance.

Sources:

Shuler FD, Wingate MK, Moore GH, Giangarra C. Sports Health Benefits of Vitamin D. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach. 2012;4(6):496-501. doi:10.1177/1941738112461621

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries in women and adrenal glands in men and women. This hormone is known to affect weight, but studies on its direct impact are limited. Some research suggests that progesterone may increase appetite and contribute to weight gain, but more research is needed to understand the relationship between progesterone and weight fully.

Sources:

Hirschberg AL. Sex hormones, appetite and eating behaviour in women. Maturitas. 2012;71(3):248-256. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.12.016

HbA1c is hemoglobin chemically linked to sugar. A hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar (glucose) level over the past two to three months. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

Weight loss can affect HbA1c levels, as losing weight can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. However, weight loss alone may not be sufficient to lower HbA1c levels. 

Additionally, weight loss can be difficult to achieve and maintain, particularly for those with diabetes. 

Sources:

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2022. Accessed January 18, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hemoglobin-a1c-hba1c-test/