Weight Gain Profile

Triiodothyronine (T3) is one of two thyroid chemicals created by the thyroid organ. Most T3 is bound to protein in the blood. It assists with controlling digestion. Free T3 estimates the degree of T3 that is free, or unbound to protein.

Thyroxine (T4) is one of two chemicals created by the thyroid organ. Most T4 is bound to transporter proteins in the blood – this test estimates the degree of T4 which is free, or unbound, circling in your blood.

Elevated degrees of free thyroxine can demonstrate an overactive thyroid while low levels can show an underactive thyroid.

Measures blood sugar levels after 8–12 hours without food. It helps assess how your body manages energy and can identify issues like insulin resistance or diabetes that may affect weight gain.

A hBA1C test is used to determine the amount of glucose in the blood, this is often used as a in screening for prediabetes or diabetes.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance which is made in the body by the liver but is also found in some foods. It plays a vital role in how every cell works and is also needed to make Vitamin D, some hormones and bile for digestion. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of getting heart and circulatory diseases.

Cholesterol is made up of both good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol so it is important to investigate a raised cholesterol result to determine the cause. High levels of HDL cholesterol can cause a raised cholesterol result but may actually be protective against heart disease.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) transports cholesterol, triglycerides and other fats to various tissues throughout the body. Too much low density lipoprotein cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to accumulate on artery walls, which can potentially lead to a heart disease and artherosclerosis.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body in bile. High density lipoprotein is a good cholesterol.

Higher levels are believed to be protective against heart disease, while low levels are associated with increased risk of a heart attack.

Triglycerides are form of dietary fat that circulate in the blood. After eating your body will convert excess calories into triglycerides which are then carried to cells to be stored as fat. The triglycerides are released to be used as energy.

Raised levels of triglycerides are a potential risk factor for peripheral vascular disease which effects the blood vessels which supply your arms and legs as well as organs below the stomach as well as microvascular disease, affecting the tiny blood vessels around the heart.

A cortisol test is done to measure the level of the hormone cortisol in the blood, which may indicate problems with the adrenal glands or pituitary gland

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that’s in everyone’s blood and stool. Sometimes the liver can’t process the bilirubin in the body. This can be due to an excess of bilirubin, an obstruction, or inflammation of the liver. When your body has too much bilirubin, In both adults and children, symptoms related to high bilirubin can involve jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or eyes, fatigue, itchy skin, dark urine, and low appetite.

An alkaline phosphatase level test (ALP test) measures the amount of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in your bloodstream

Alanine transferase (ALT) is an enzyme which is produced by the liver and can indicate liver damage caused by alcohol, drugs or viruses (hepatitis). Small amounts of ALT are normal, but raised levels may indicate that your liver is inflamed.

Elevated levels of ALT can also be caused by recent vigorous exercise.

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme chiefly found in the brain, skeletal muscles, and heart. An elevated level of creatine kinase is seen in heart attacks, when the heart muscle is damaged, or in conditions that produce damage to the skeletal muscles or brain.

The level of Creatine Kinase in the blood is measured to assess muscle damage – it can rise very quickly after muscle trauma, but will begin to lower as the damage is repaired. If Creatine Kinase continues to rise it indicates that muscle damage is not being repaired.

Gamma-glytamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is an enzyme which is found in hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. GGT may be high in liver disease. Gamma GT is also used to diagnose alcohol abuse as it is raised in 75% of long term drinkers.

Testosterone is a male sex hormone which is produced in the testicles of men It is also produced in much smaller amounts, in the ovaries of women. Testosterone is responsible for your bone and muscle strength, mood, energy and sexual function.

Testosterone levels lower as you become older it is unusual to find naturally elevated levels in men. Low testosterone is more common than raised.

Raised testosterone for women can result in male characteristics such as body hair, greater bulk, a deeper voice and acne of which are all symptoms of polycystic ovaries, a condition in which elevated testosterone is commonly seen.

A key sex hormone that plays a role in fat distribution, metabolism, and muscle mass. Abnormal levels can affect weight regulation, energy, and hormonal balance, especially in both men and women trying to gain weight.

Testosterone, oestrogen and dihydrotestosterone are all bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which means that they are unavailable to your cells. Measuring the levels of SHBG in the blood gives important information about your levels of free or unbound hormones which are biologically active and available for use.

Vitamin D is actually a hormone which is activated by sunshine on your skin. Many people in the UK do not produce enough Vitamin D, especially in the winter months with fewer daylight hours Vitamin D is essential for bone strength as it helps your intestines absorb calcium.

However, it is thought that vitamin D also plays an important role in immune function, as well as in many chronic diseases and mental health.

In winter months, if your levels are found to be low, you may wish to take a supplement.