MetabolicMarkers

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Weight Loss Blood Tests: Metabolic & Hormone Panels

See the metabolic and hormonal numbers behind appetite, energy, and fat storage, so your plan is built on data, not guesswork.

Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission when you purchase lab tests through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

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Basic panels from $65.95 ($52.76 with the 20% code); comprehensive options up to $438.95 ($351.16 with code), promotional pricing at time of writing.

At a glance

Weight loss and weight management blood testing measures the metabolic and hormonal markers, blood sugar, insulin, thyroid hormones, cortisol, lipids, and key nutrients, that influence appetite, energy, and fat storage. These panels are designed for adults who have hit a plateau, regained weight, or simply want objective baseline data before changing their nutrition or training plan. Each panel can be ordered online with a doctor's order included, and results are physician-reviewed.

Best suited for

  • Adults whose weight has plateaued despite consistent diet and exercise
  • People noticing low energy, strong cravings, or unexplained weight changes
  • Anyone with a history of thyroid, blood sugar, or nutrient concerns who wants current numbers
  • Self-quantifiers who want objective data before adjusting nutrition, training, or supplements
  • People preparing for a doctor's visit who want relevant lab results in hand

What's included

Weight Management (Women) - Basic

4 tests, 64 biomarkers

Weight Management (Men) - Basic

4 tests, 64 biomarkers

Weight Management (Women) - Basic Plus

11 tests, 71 biomarkers

Weight Management (Men) - Basic Plus

11 tests, 71 biomarkers

Weight Management (Women) - Advanced

18 tests, 82 biomarkers

Weight Management (Men) - Advanced

17 tests, 81 biomarkers

Weight Management (Women) - Comprehensive

22 tests, 86 biomarkers

Weight Management (Men) - Comprehensive

21 tests, 85 biomarkers

Weight Management Blood Test Panel, Women

12 tests, 48 biomarkers

Weight Management Blood Test Panel, Men

12 tests, 48 biomarkers

Deep-dive the key markers: Fasting Glucose, HbA1c, Fasting Insulin, LDL-C, HDL-C, Triglycerides, hs-CRP, TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Vitamin D, Ferritin, eGFR, ALT

Key biomarker ranges

Commonly used adult reference ranges for markers this panel measures, labs vary, so always interpret results against your lab's stated ranges and with your doctor.

Fasting Glucose (mg/dL)

Commonly used reference ranges place fasting glucose at 70–99 mg/dL; results vary with sleep, stress, and recent illness, and labs differ slightly.

Fasting Glucose reference ranges (mg/dL)
ZoneRange
Low50–70 mg/dL
Optimal70–100 mg/dL
Prediabetic range100–126 mg/dL
Diabetic range126–160 mg/dL
Hemoglobin A1c (%)

Commonly used reference ranges place HbA1c below 5.7%; conditions affecting red blood cells can skew results, so labs and clinicians interpret in context.

Hemoglobin A1c reference ranges (%)
ZoneRange
Optimal4–5.7 %
Prediabetic range5.7–6.5 %
Diabetic range6.5–10 %
Fasting Insulin (µIU/mL)

Commonly used reference ranges accept up to ~25 µIU/mL, but many clinicians view single-digit fasting insulin as the more informative target; assays vary by lab.

Fasting Insulin reference ranges (µIU/mL)
ZoneRange
Low0–2 µIU/mL
Optimal2–10 µIU/mL
Above optimal10–25 µIU/mL
High25–30 µIU/mL

The importance of testing

Weight plateaus and rebound gain often have measurable correlates. Fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and insulin describe how your body handles carbohydrates and stores energy; shifting patterns in these markers are associated with insulin resistance, a frequent companion to stalled progress even when diet and training are consistent.

Thyroid hormones sit at the center of metabolic rate. TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 track how your thyroid is regulating calorie burn, while cortisol reflects stress load and recovery, both factors worth reviewing with your doctor when energy is low or weight moves in unexpected directions.

Nutrient and inflammation markers round out the picture. Vitamin D, B12, folate, and iron studies (including ferritin) are tied to energy metabolism and fatigue, and hs-CRP screens for the low-grade inflammation associated with weight gain. A lipid panel and comprehensive metabolic panel add cardiometabolic context, cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver and kidney markers that often shift alongside weight.

The practical value is in trends. Establishing a baseline, retesting after a few months of changed habits, and bringing both sets of numbers to your clinician makes conversations about nutrition, training, sleep, and supplementation far more targeted.

Part of our complete guide to Weight & Fitness Lab Tests — browse every panel and biomarker guide in this hub.

Promo code

ULTAE54B

Save 20% with code ULTAE54B, limited-time promotion; confirm final pricing on the partner page.

Ready to get your numbers? Order online, visit a nearby draw site, and receive private results to review with your doctor.

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Frequently asked questions

What do weight loss blood test panels measure?

They measure weight-related biomarkers such as glucose, hemoglobin A1c, insulin, thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T3, Free T4), a lipid panel, vitamin D, B12 and folate, iron studies, a comprehensive metabolic panel, cortisol, and hs-CRP, with exact tests varying by panel. Together these markers describe how your body regulates blood sugar, metabolic rate, stress, nutrients, and inflammation.

Can I order these tests without a doctor's visit?

Yes, a doctor's order is included with every purchase, so no separate appointment or referral is needed. You order online, visit one of roughly 2,100 Quest locations for the blood draw, and receive physician-reviewed results in your secure online account, most within 24–48 hours.

Which panel should I choose, Basic, Basic Plus, Advanced, or Comprehensive?

Choose based on how much detail you want: Basic panels cover core markers at the lowest price, while Advanced and Comprehensive tiers add more hormones, nutrients, and metabolic tests. Men's and women's versions of each tier are available, and the panel pages list every included test so you can compare before ordering.

Can these tests tell me why I'm not losing weight?

They can flag measurable factors that often accompany stalled weight loss, such as blood sugar and insulin patterns, thyroid hormone levels, cortisol, low vitamin D, or iron status, but they are not intended to confirm any condition. Results are best used as a starting point for a conversation with your doctor about personalizing nutrition, training, sleep, and supplementation.

Is this testing available in every US state?

No, direct-to-consumer lab testing is restricted or prohibited in New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, so residents of those states may be blocked at the partner's checkout. Testing is otherwise available at Quest locations nationwide, with walk-ins accepted at most sites.

Can I pay with an HSA or FSA?

Yes, HSA and FSA payments are accepted for eligible services, and no insurance is required to order. Results are delivered privately to your secure online account.

References

  1. [1] Hidden Risks behind Normal Fasting Glucose: Is It Significant? — Diabetes & Metabolism Journal (Korean Diabetes Association, via PMC)
  2. [2] Good to Know: Factors Affecting Blood Glucose — Clinical Diabetes, American Diabetes Association (via PMC)
  3. [3] Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  4. [4] Interpreting A1C: Principles of the A1C Assay — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  5. [5] Interpreting A1C: Diabetes and Hemoglobin Variants — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  6. [6] The A1C Test & Diabetes — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  7. [7] What Is Diabetes? — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  8. [8] Surrogate markers of insulin resistance: A review — World Journal of Diabetes (via PMC)
  9. [9] Insulin Assay Standardization: Leading to Measures of Insulin Sensitivity and Secretion for Practical Clinical Care — Diabetes Care, American Diabetes Association (via PMC)
  10. [10] LDL: The 'Bad' Cholesterol — MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
  11. [11] Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A consensus statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel — European Heart Journal
  12. [12] Familial Hypercholesterolemia — GeneReviews, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)
  13. [13] Hypercholesterolemia — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)
  14. [14] Low HDL Cholesterol — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)
  15. [15] HPS2-THRIVE, AIM-HIGH and dal-OUTCOMES: HDL-cholesterol under attack — Global Cardiology Science & Practice
  16. [16] Metabolic syndrome — MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
  17. [17] Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know — MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
  18. [18] Triglycerides — MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
  19. [19] Hypertriglyceridemia — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH/NLM)
  20. [20] High Blood Triglycerides — National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)
  21. [21] C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test — MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
  22. [22] Assessing Cardiovascular Risk with C-Reactive Protein — Johns Hopkins Medicine
  23. [23] C-Reactive Protein: Clinical Relevance and Interpretation — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH/NLM)
  24. [24] TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) Test — MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
  25. [25] Thyroid Function Tests — American Thyroid Association
  26. [26] Subclinical Hypothyroidism — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH/NLM)
  27. [27] Thyroid Function Tests — American Thyroid Association
  28. [28] Effects of fasting on thyroid hormone profiles: a systematic review and meta-analysis of TSH, FT3, FT4, and total T3 responses — Frontiers in Endocrinology
  29. [29] Hyperthyroidism — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH/NLM)
  30. [30] Thyroid Hormone Serum Transport Proteins — Endotext, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH/NLM)
  31. [31] Pregnancy disrupts the accuracy of automated fT4 immunoassays — European Thyroid Journal
  32. [32] Free T4 — University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
  33. [33] Vitamin D - Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
  34. [34] Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline — Endocrine Society (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism)
  35. [35] Vitamin D - Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
  36. [36] Iron-Deficiency Anemia — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)
  37. [37] Limitations of Serum Ferritin in Diagnosing Iron Deficiency in Inflammatory Conditions — International Journal of Chronic Diseases
  38. [38] Diagnosis of Hemochromatosis — NIDDK (NIH)
  39. [39] Dose–response relationship of serum ferritin and dietary iron intake with metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis — Frontiers in Nutrition
  40. [40] Physiology, Glomerular Filtration Rate — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)
  41. [41] Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) — National Kidney Foundation
  42. [42] What Is Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults? — NIDDK (NIH)
  43. [43] Is It Time for a Requiem for Creatine Supplementation-Induced Kidney Failure? A Narrative Review — Nutrients
  44. [44] Estimated GFR (eGFR) Test: Kidney Function Levels, Stages, and What to Do Next — National Kidney Foundation
  45. [45] Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) Test — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)
  46. [46] Definition & Facts of NAFLD & NASH — NIDDK (NIH)
  47. [48] Liver Function Tests — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)

Reviewed by

Jason August

Jason August

Founder & Editorial Lead

Jason August is the founder of Metabolic Markers and its parent company, Advancing Development. He has spent his career building and scaling real-world ventures, including as a founding team member at Build-A-Bear Workshop during its growth from startup to global public company, and since then across capital, real estate, adaptive reuse, and hospitality. He founded Metabolic Markers to make blood-biomarker testing easier to understand and access, and oversees the site’s content and editorial accuracy. Jason is not a medical professional; all content on this site is educational, reviewed for accuracy, and never a substitute for advice from a licensed physician.

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