## Lipid profile __What is it?__ A screening blood test that helps diagnose [atherosclerosis](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=112) and predict the risk of so-called vascular accidents including heart attack or [stroke](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=184). The test includes indicators such as total [cholesterol](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=57), high and low-density lipoproteins, and [triglycerides](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=19). __Why take the test?__ Elevated cholesterol is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and although [cholesterol](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=57) can be high in thin people, the likelihood that its figures are beyond the norm in a person who is overweight is extremely high. This means that when choosing a diet it is necessary to take this factor into account and to avoid high-fat diets, which have become popular in recent years. Additionally, high triglyceride levels in the blood indicate impaired fat metabolism and maybe one of the reasons why you have difficulty losing weight. ## Insulin resistance tests __What is it?__. Reduced tissue sensitivity to the action of insulin can also develop in the absence of any serious disease. In addition to the fact that this property is always inherited, it is often caused by bad eating habits, alcohol abuse, lack of exercise, and a poor diet with high body fat. This inevitably increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 [diabetes](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=43), and cardiovascular disease. The initial stages of [insulin](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=67) resistance have almost no effect on health and can only be detected by changes in blood parameters, including [glucose](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=110) and fasting insulin, insulin resistance index [HOMA](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=39), and insulin resistance index [Caro](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=1073). __Why take the test?__ Insulin resistance can be both a consequence of being overweight and its cause because it directly affects appetite. This creates a vicious circle — the higher your weight, the lower your insulin sensitivity and the better your appetite. The more you eat, the more weight you gain, and the higher your insulin resistance. If this is the case, you need to regain insulin sensitivity in order to lose weight and get your metabolism back on track. ## Hormone profile __What is it?__ This is a set of tests that allows you to detect hormonal abnormalities and determine exactly what level the failure occurred. The first thing to check is [TSH](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=137), the pituitary hormone that stimulates the secretion of [thyroid](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=44) hormones. If abnormalities are detected, free [T3](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=171) and free [T4](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=141) as well as other tests may be prescribed by the endocrinologist. __Why take the test?__ Changes in hormone levels directly affect our weight, because they are the ones that regulate metabolic processes in the body. If you eat right, exercise and the weight does not disappear, the cause is likely a hormonal malfunction. A checkup is important to do before losing weight in order to know the condition of your body as a whole. Diets, especially intensive ones, are always a load on the organs and systems. They can also cause serious stress. Take care of any health issues under the supervision of your doctor before seeking to lose weight.