Hormones are important signals in our body that help control how we use and store fats. They affect different processes, like burning fat and making new fat. Here’s a simple breakdown of how this works:

1. Insulin:

   • Makes More Fat: When you eat food, insulin levels go up. This helps turn extra sugars from food into fat in fat tissue.
   • Stops Fat Breakdown: Insulin also stops the body from breaking down stored fat, which keeps fat from being released into the bloodstream.

2. Glucagon:

   • Encourages Fat Burning: When you're not eating (like between meals), glucagon helps the liver break down fat to use for energy.
   • Supports Ketone Production: This hormone tells the liver to make ketones from fat. Ketones are another fuel source, especially during long periods without food.

3. Cortisol:

   • Increases Fat Breakdown: When you’re stressed, cortisol (a stress hormone) can cause more fat to break down.
   • Changes Fat Storage: It can also change where fat is stored in the body, often leading to more fat around the belly.

These hormones help our bodies adjust how we handle fats based on what we eat and how much energy we need!