Hormone changes are one of the major causes of yeast infections, and extra fat cells can change our hormone balance.
This is why so many overweight women suffer from chronic vaginal yeast infections.
Obesity can cause insulin resistance, which means that the body needs to produce more and more of this hormone to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. The hormone changes caused by obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of adult onset diabetes, and that’s why chronic yeast infections are often one of the first signs of diabetes.
Changes in hormone levels can set up the right environment for yeast infections, so the insulin resistance caused by excess weight could be the reason why obese women get more yeast infections.
Even more important is the risk of diabetes caused by the hormone changes and insulin resistance.
Losing your excess weight can bring back your insulin sensitivity, and that’s why it’s a good idea to lose weight if you are diagnosed with diabetes or if you’re considered pre-diabetic. Fortunately, when the hormone imbalance is corrected you may also stop getting yeast infections, while extending your life.
Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, if you are significantly overweight and get frequent yeast infections, you may keep them from coming back if lose some weight and eat a healthy diet with no sugar.