Serotonin supports weight loss and burns belly fat, as it:
- reduces appetite and cravings
- regulates metabolism
- promotes nutrient absorption and storage
Eating foods rich in tryptophan, walking outdoors, and having a breakfast high in carbs can help you lose weight because it naturally increases serotonin levels.
Serotonin for weight loss
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which it’s mainly found in the digestive system, blood platelets and the central nervous system. It can regulate mood, appetite, temperature, eating behavior, sexual behavior, movement, gastrointestinal motility, sleep, and many more.[1]
Above all, high levels of serotonin are beneficial for weight loss because serotonin reduces appetite. Serotonin prevents an increase in appetite, as it activates certain neurons and receptors, which keep appetite in control. This brain chemical prevents cravings for fattening food, helping you stick to a hypocaloric diet plan for weight loss for a long time.[2]
Also, serotonin supports weight loss because it promotes energy expenditure. It increases thermogenesis by stimulating the brown adipose tissue.[3]
Furthermore, people who want to lose belly fat should have increased levels of serotonin because it enhances nutrient absorption and storage. This is vital for fat metabolism.
In addition, serotonin has a huge impact on our mood. Good mood is key for weight loss. Happy people are more active and burn more calories.
Foods with serotonin burn belly fat
Serotonin is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan. Actually, many foods are high in tryptophan:
- animal-derived foods high in tryptophan are chicken, turkey, red meat, pork, fish, eggs, and dairy.
- plant-based foods high in tryptophan are soybeans, tofu, oatmeal, pumpkin seeds, sweet potatoes, wheat bread, chocolate, peanuts, spinach, broccoli, avocados, and bananas.
Also, the synthesis of serotonin demands high doses of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron.[4,5]
You can help the body produce more serotonin by taking L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP supplements. But, their consumption is unnecessary in most cases. Healthy people who follow a well-balanced diet won’t lose more body weight by taking these supplements. Better increase serotonin levels naturally.
Outdoor exercise for increased serotonin synthesis
Another great way to lose weight is walking or running outdoors. Not only does exercise burn belly fat, but also it helps the body produce more serotonin! Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin levels.
Furthermore, the human body synthesizes vitamin D after sun exposure. Vitamin D is also necessary for weight loss.
Breakfast for increased serotonin & weight loss
In fact, a breakfast high in carbs increases the synthesis of serotonin! It seems that having a breakfast high in carbs protects from abdominal obesity. The body has increased glucose sensitivity in the morning. Hence, carbs are easily stored as body glycogen in the muscles, instead of belly fat.[5,6]