Ulta Lab Tests

Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women

Blood
Blood Draw

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Adiponectin

Also known as: Cortisol AM

Cortisol, A.M.

A cortisol level is a blood test that measures the amount of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland. The test is done to check for increased or decreased cortisol production. Cortisol is a steroid hormone released from the adrenal gland in response to ACTH, a hormone from the pituitary gland in the brain. Cortisol affects many different body systems. It plays a role in: bone, circulatory system, immune system. metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. ervous system and stress responses.

Also known as: CK (Total), CPK, CPK (Total), Creatine Kinase CK Total, Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), Total CK

Creatine Kinase, Total

Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, DHEA SO4, DHEA Sulfate Immunoassay, DHEAS, Transdehydroandrosterone

DHEA SULFATE

DHEA-sulfate test measures the amount of DHEA-sulfate in the blood. DHEA-sulfate is a weak male hormone (androgen) produced by the adrenal gland in both men and women.

Also known as: Estrogen Total Serum

Estrogen, Total, Serum

Estrogen is a group of steroids that regulate the menstrual cycle and function as the main female sex hormones. Estrogens are responsible for the development of female sex organs and secondary sex characteristics and are tied to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They are considered the main sex hormones in women and are present in small quantities in men.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood. The amount of ferritin in your blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Also known as: A1c, Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycohemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, HA1c, HbA1c, Hemoglobin A1c, Hemoglobin A1c HgbA1C, Hgb A1c

Hemoglobin A1c

The A1c test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months. It does this by measuring the concentration of glycated (also often called glycosylated) hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transporting protein found inside red blood cells (RBCs). There are several types of normal hemoglobin, but the predominant form – about 95-98% – is hemoglobin A. As glucose circulates in the blood, some of it spontaneously binds to hemoglobin A. The hemoglobin molecules with attached glucose are called glycated hemoglobin. The higher the concentration of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed. Once the glucose binds to the hemoglobin, it remains there for the life of the red blood cell – normally about 120 days. The predominant form of glycated hemoglobin is referred to as HbA1c or A1c. A1c is produced on a daily basis and slowly cleared from the blood as older RBCs die and younger RBCs (with non-glycated hemoglobin) take their place. This test is used to monitor treatment in someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to evaluate how well their glucose levels have been controlled by treatment over time. This test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes or risk of developing diabetes. In 2010, clinical practice guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) stated that A1c may be added to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as an option for diabetes screening and diagnosis. For monitoring purposes, an A1c of less than 7% indicates good glucose control and a lower risk of diabetic complications for the majority of diabetics. However, in 2012, the ADA and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) issued a position statement recommending that the management of glucose control in type 2 diabetes be more "patient-centered." Data from recent studies have shown that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause complications and that people with risk of severe hypoglycemia, underlying health conditions, complications, and a limited life expectancy do not necessarily benefit from having a stringent goal of less than 7% for their A1c. The statement recommends that people work closely with their doctor to select a goal that reflects each person's individual health status and that balances risks and benefits.

Also known as: C-Reactive Protein, Cardio CRP, Cardio hs-CRP, CRP, High Sensitivity CRP, High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, High-sensitivity CRP, Highly Sensitive CRP, hsCRP, Ultra-sensitive CRP

Hs Crp

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test may be used by itself, in combination with other cardiac risk markers, or in combination with a lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) test that evaluates vascular inflammation. The hs-CRP test accurately detects low concentrations of C-reactive protein to help predict a healthy person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-sensitivity CRP is promoted by some as a test for determining a person's risk level for CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. The current thinking is that hs-CRP can play a role in the evaluation process before a person develops one of these health problems.

Also known as: Insulin (fasting)

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. It is vital for the transportation and storage of glucose at the cellular level, helps regulate blood glucose levels, and has a role in lipid metabolism. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, insulin is released to allow glucose to move into tissue cells, especially muscle and adipose (fat) cells, where is it is used for energy production. Insulin then prompts the liver to either store the remaining excess blood glucose as glycogen for short-term energy storage and/or to use it to produce fatty acids. The fatty acids are eventually used by adipose tissue to synthesize triglycerides to form the basis of a longer term, more concentrated form of energy storage. Without insulin, glucose cannot reach most of the body's cells. Without glucose, the cells starve and blood glucose levels rise to unhealthy levels. This can cause disturbances in normal metabolic processes that result in various disorders, including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and vision and neurological problems. Thus, diabetes, a disorder associated with decreased insulin effects, is eventually a life-threatening condition.

Also known as: Iron and TIBC, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity TIBC, TIBC

% Saturation

Iron Binding Capacity

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if you may have too much or too little iron in the blood. Iron moves through the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. This test helps your doctor know how well that protein can carry iron in the blood.

Iron, Total

Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. For example, iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein which carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. It helps our muscles store and use oxygen. Iron is also part of many other proteins and enzymes. Your body needs the right amount of iron. If you have too little iron, you may develop iron deficiency anemia. Causes of low iron levels include blood loss, poor diet, or an inability to absorb enough iron from foods. People at higher risk of having too little iron are young children and women who are pregnant or have periods.

Leptin

Magnesium

Also known as: Progesterone Immunoassay

Progesterone

Serum progesterone is a test to measure the amount of progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a hormone produced mainly in the ovaries. In women, progesterone plays a vital role in pregnancy. After an egg is released by the ovaries (ovulation), progesterone helps make the uterus ready for implantation of a fertilized egg. It prepares the womb (uterus) for pregnancy and the breasts for milk production. Men produce some amount of progesterone, but it probably has no normal function except to help produce other steroid hormones.

Also known as: Free T3, FT3, T3 Free

T3, Free

This test measures the amount of triiodothyronine, or T3, in the blood.

Also known as: Free T4, FT4, T4 Free

T4, Free

The free T4 test is not affected by protein levels. Since free T4 is the active form of thyroxine, the free T4 test is may be a more accurate reflection of thyroid hormone function.

Also known as: Testosterone Free Dialysis and Total LCMSMS

Free Testosterone

In many cases, measurement of total testosterone provides the doctor with adequate information. However, in certain cases, for example when the level of SHBG is abnormal, a test for free or bioavailable testosterone may be performed as it may more accurately reflect the presence of a medical condition.

TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL,

A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone. In males, the testicles produce most of the testosterone in the body. Levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of low testosterone: In boys -- early or late puberty and in men -- impotence, low level of sexual interest, infertility, thinning of the bones In females, the ovaries produce most of the testosterone and levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of higher testosterone levels, such as: decreased breast size, excess hair growth, increased size of the clitoris. irregular or absent menstrual periods and male-pattern baldness or hair thinning.

Also known as: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test, Thyrotropin Test

TSH

A TSH test is a lab test that measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It tells the thyroid gland to make and release thyroid hormones into the blood.

Also known as: B12, B12 Vitamin, Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Vitamin B12 Cobalamin

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is part of the B complex of vitamins and measurea the levels of vitamin B12 in the liquid portion of the blood, the serum or plasma, to detect deficiencies. Cobalamine, or vitamin B12, is found in animal products such as red meat, fish, poultry, milk, yogurt, and eggs and is not produced in the human body. In recent years, fortified cereals, breads, and other grain products have also become important dietary sources of B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal RBC formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis. B12 is important for nerve health. A deficiency in B12 can lead to macrocytic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia, a type of macrocytic anemia, is characterized by the production of fewer but larger RBCs called macrocytes, in addition to some cellular changes in the bone marrow. B12 deficiency can lead to varying degrees of neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the affected person's hands and feet.

Also known as: ,25-Hydroxyvitamin D2, 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3), 25-OH-D2,D3 Vitamin, D2 Vitamin,25-Hydroxyvitamin D3,25-OH-D3, QuestAssureD 25Hydroxyvitamin D D2 D3 LCMSMS, Vitamin D, Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy, Vitamin D2, 25-hydroxy,25-Hydroxyergocalciferol (25OHD2),Vitamin D3, 25-hydroxy

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, Total

Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The chemical structures of the types of vitamin D are slightly different, and they are named vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, which comes from plants) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, which comes from animals). The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D2 and D3 are equally effective when they are converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Also known as: ZN, Plasma

Zinc

*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women panel contains 21 tests with 24 biomarkers .

Overview of the Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women

The Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women is a comprehensive laboratory panel designed to identify the underlying metabolic, hormonal, and nutritional factors that make fat loss challenging—especially stubborn belly fat. Unlike traditional weight-loss approaches that focus solely on diet and exercise, this advanced panel evaluates hormone balance, thyroid health, glucose control, inflammation, and essential nutrient status.

Excess abdominal fat in women often indicates deeper issues such as insulin resistance, chronic stress, thyroid dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances involving estrogen and progesterone. These conditions can disrupt metabolism, promote fat storage, and hinder energy levels. The Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women provides the critical insights needed to create a personalized, science-driven strategy for sustainable fat loss and improved metabolic health.

When and Why the Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women May Be Ordered

Healthcare professionals may recommend the Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women for women who struggle with persistent belly fat despite following a healthy diet and exercise program. It is also ideal for individuals who experience:

  • Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight gain

  • Symptoms of hormonal imbalance (irregular cycles, fatigue, mood changes)

  • Signs of insulin resistance, such as sugar cravings or frequent fatigue

  • Chronic stress that may lead to elevated cortisol levels

  • Menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms affecting weight regulation

  • Nutritional deficiencies impacting metabolism and energy production

By addressing these underlying issues, this panel helps women burn fat more efficiently, maintain lean muscle, and improve overall health.

What the Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women Checks For

The Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women analyzes a wide range of biomarkers that influence metabolism, fat storage, hormone regulation, and nutrient balance. Below is an in-depth explanation of each test and its role in fat loss and metabolic health:

Adiponectin

Adiponectin is a hormone that regulates glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Low levels are associated with insulin resistance and abdominal obesity. Measuring adiponectin provides insight into the body’s fat-burning capability.

Cortisol, A.M.

Cortisol is the primary stress hormone. Chronically high cortisol levels can lead to increased abdominal fat storage and muscle breakdown. Measuring morning cortisol helps assess adrenal health and stress-related barriers to weight loss.

Creatine Kinase (CK), Total

CK is an enzyme that indicates muscle damage. High CK levels may occur after intense exercise or muscle strain, which can contribute to stress and fatigue if not managed properly. Monitoring CK ensures training supports fat loss without causing excessive muscle breakdown.

DHEA Sulfate, Immunoassay

DHEA is an adrenal hormone that serves as a precursor to estrogen and testosterone. Adequate DHEA supports lean body mass and fat metabolism, while low levels may indicate adrenal fatigue or chronic stress.

Estrogen, Total, Serum

Estrogen plays a critical role in fat distribution and metabolism. Both excess and deficient estrogen can impact weight regulation. Measuring estrogen helps identify imbalances that may promote abdominal fat storage, particularly during perimenopause and menopause.

Ferritin

Ferritin reflects iron stores, which are vital for energy production and oxygen delivery. Low ferritin can cause fatigue and slower metabolism, while high levels may indicate inflammation. Both conditions can impair fat loss.

Glucose

Fasting glucose evaluates blood sugar regulation, a major determinant of fat metabolism. Elevated glucose suggests impaired insulin sensitivity, a common cause of stubborn belly fat.

Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1C)

A1c measures average blood sugar control over 2–3 months. High levels indicate chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, which strongly influence abdominal fat accumulation.

hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)

hs-CRP is a marker of systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation interferes with hormonal balance and metabolic efficiency, making fat loss more difficult.

Insulin

Fasting insulin helps detect insulin resistance, a major driver of weight gain and belly fat. Elevated insulin levels indicate the body is storing fat rather than burning it efficiently.

Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)

Iron status influences oxygen transport and energy metabolism. Low iron reduces endurance and energy, while excess iron may contribute to oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction.

Leptin

Leptin is a hormone that regulates satiety and energy expenditure. In women with belly fat, leptin resistance is common, leading to poor appetite regulation and persistent fat storage.

Magnesium

Magnesium supports over 300 metabolic reactions, including glucose regulation and muscle function. Deficiency slows fat burning and increases fatigue.

Progesterone, Immunoassay

Progesterone balances estrogen and supports metabolic stability. Low progesterone relative to estrogen can lead to weight retention, bloating, and fat accumulation, particularly during perimenopause.

T3, Free

Free T3 is the active thyroid hormone responsible for metabolic rate and fat burning. Low T3 can cause fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty losing fat.

T4, Free

Free T4 is converted into T3 and works with TSH to regulate thyroid function. Imbalances in T4 can indicate early thyroid dysfunction, which impacts metabolism.

Testosterone, Free (Dialysis) and Total MS

Testosterone supports lean muscle maintenance and fat metabolism. Low levels in women can reduce muscle tone and energy, while excess can lead to other metabolic complications.

TSH

TSH controls thyroid hormone production. High TSH suggests hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and promotes fat storage.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation and energy production. Low B12 causes fatigue, reducing exercise tolerance and fat-burning capacity.

Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy, Total, Immunoassay

Vitamin D affects insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and fat metabolism. Deficiency is common and linked to weight retention, especially in women.

Zinc

Zinc is crucial for hormone regulation and metabolic processes. Low zinc can disrupt thyroid function and insulin sensitivity, slowing fat loss.

How Healthcare Professionals Use the Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women Results

The results of the Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women guide clinicians in developing personalized fat-loss strategies that address hormonal, metabolic, and nutritional factors. For example:

  • Elevated cortisol may lead to stress-management techniques and adrenal support.

  • Low progesterone or estrogen imbalance can be addressed to restore hormonal stability.

  • High insulin and leptin resistance may prompt dietary changes and targeted interventions to improve sensitivity.

  • Thyroid abnormalities can be corrected to restore metabolic rate.

  • Deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, or B12 can be corrected to enhance energy and fat metabolism.

By tackling these underlying issues, healthcare professionals help women burn belly fat effectively, balance hormones, and improve overall metabolic health.

Here is a Diagnostic Matrix for the Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women, linking each test to its associated clinical conditions and fat-loss barriers. This matrix helps healthcare professionals interpret lab results in the context of common metabolic, hormonal, and nutritional imbalances affecting women.

Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women – Diagnostic Matrix

Lab Test Primary Clinical Relevance Associated Conditions / Concerns
Adiponectin Fat metabolism, insulin sensitivity ↓ in Insulin Resistance, Visceral Obesity, Leptin Resistance
Cortisol, A.M. Stress response, adrenal function ↑ in Chronic Stress, Adrenal Fatigue, Belly Fat Gain
Creatine Kinase (CK), Total Muscle recovery, overtraining ↑ in Muscle Injury, Overtraining Syndrome, Excessive Exercise Stress
DHEA Sulfate Adrenal health, hormone precursor ↓ in Adrenal Fatigue, Low Estrogen/Testosterone, Chronic Stress
Estrogen, Total Fat distribution, metabolic regulation ↑ in Estrogen Dominance, ↓ in Menopause, Weight Retention, Fatigue
Ferritin Iron storage, inflammation ↓ in Iron Deficiency, ↑ in Chronic Inflammation, Fatigue, Slow Metabolism
Glucose (Fasting) Blood sugar regulation ↑ in Insulin Resistance, Prediabetes, Fat Storage
Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1C) Long-term glucose control ↑ in Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, Weight Gain
hs-CRP Inflammatory status ↑ in Chronic Inflammation, Cardiometabolic Risk, Hormonal Imbalance
Insulin (Fasting) Fat storage regulation ↑ in Insulin Resistance, Abdominal Obesity, Metabolic Dysfunction
Iron and TIBC Energy production, oxygen transport ↓ in Iron Deficiency Anemia, ↑ iron/TIBC mismatch in Inflammation
Leptin Appetite regulation, satiety ↑ in Leptin Resistance, Obesity, Persistent Fat Storage
Magnesium Glucose metabolism, neuromuscular function ↓ in Fatigue, Insulin Resistance, Muscle Cramps, Low Metabolic Efficiency
Progesterone Estrogen balance, cycle regulation ↓ in Estrogen Dominance, Perimenopause, Weight Gain, Water Retention
T3, Free Active thyroid hormone (metabolism) ↓ in Hypothyroidism, Fatigue, Slow Metabolism, Weight Gain
T4, Free Thyroid hormone precursor ↓ in Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Conversion Issues
Testosterone, Free & Total Lean muscle maintenance, fat metabolism ↓ in Low Libido, Muscle Loss, Fat Gain, ↑ in PCOS, Hair Loss
TSH Thyroid hormone regulation ↑ in Primary Hypothyroidism, ↓ in Hyperthyroidism
Vitamin B12 Energy metabolism, red blood cell health ↓ in Fatigue, Anemia, Poor Exercise Tolerance, Weight Loss Resistance
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Hormone function, fat metabolism ↓ in Weight Retention, Insulin Resistance, Hormonal Imbalance, Depression
Zinc Hormone synthesis, thyroid support ↓ in Thyroid Dysfunction, Low Testosterone, Insulin Resistance, Immune Deficiency

?? Summary by Condition

Condition / Concern Linked Tests
Insulin Resistance / Metabolic Syndrome Glucose, A1c, Insulin, Adiponectin, Leptin, hs-CRP
Thyroid Dysfunction (Hypothyroidism) TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Zinc
Hormonal Imbalance (Estrogen/Progesterone) Estrogen, Progesterone, DHEA, Testosterone
Adrenal Dysfunction / Chronic Stress Cortisol, DHEA, CK
Chronic Inflammation hs-CRP, Ferritin, Leptin
Iron-Related Fatigue or Anemia Ferritin, Iron, TIBC, Vitamin B12
Micronutrient Deficiencies Vitamin D, Magnesium, Zinc, B12
Leptin Resistance / Satiety Dysfunction Leptin, Adiponectin, Insulin
Overtraining or Recovery Impairment CK, Cortisol, Magnesium, B12

Conclusion

The Burn Belly Fat Smarter Panel for Women is a powerful tool for identifying the root causes of stubborn belly fat, focusing on hormonal balance, metabolic health, inflammation, and nutrient optimization. By analyzing key biomarkers such as estrogen, progesterone, leptin, insulin, thyroid hormones, and essential vitamins and minerals, this panel empowers women to take a scientific approach to fat loss and body composition improvement. Whether your goal is fat reduction, increased energy, or better hormonal health, this panel offers the insights needed for smarter, long-term results.

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