Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the throat. While the thyroid may be small in size, it is responsible for producing hormones that control the major metabolic processes in the body. When the thyroid performs optimally, your body's metabolism functions normally and you are able to burn calories at rest and when exercising. However, a sluggish thyroid can have negative effects and slow your metabolism -- which can lead to weight gain.
Basal Metabolic Rate
Your thyroid specifically controls your basal metabolic rate, or BMR. This measurement refers to the amount of calories your body burns when it is at rest. To maintain your weight, you must burn as many calories throughout your day as you take in. When you gain weight, it is because your body has not burned as many calories as you consumed. Typically, the higher your BMR, the more calories you burn and the more weight you lose. Thyroid hormone helps to regulate your BMR. Therefore, if your thyroid is not releasing enough thyroid hormone, your BMR slows and you may not lose weight, even if you are taking in the same amount of calories you always do.
Hyper/Hypo-parathyroidism
When your thyroid produces excess thyroid hormone, this condition is referred to as hyperparathyroidism. One of the side effects of hyperparathyroidism is weight loss because the extra thyroid hormone boosts your BMR. However, hypoparathyroidism refers to a medical condition that causes your thyroid to underperform. Without enough thyroid hormone, your BMR causes you to gain weight or keeps you from losing weight when you make efforts to do so. If you have experienced a sudden, unexplained weight gain of five to 10 pounds, this can be a sign your thyroid is not properly functioning.
Salt and Water Retention
In addition to your BMR, thyroid hormones affect the salt and water concentration in your body. Underproduction of thyroid hormone causes salt and water to accumulate. If your body takes on too much salt, the salt will attract water, causing water retention. As a result, you may gain water weight or have difficulty flushing water from your body.
Solution
If you suspect your thyroid is affecting your ability to lose weight or is causing you to gain weight, see your physician. Your physician can use tests and imaging scans to determine your thyroid function. If your thyroid hormone is found to be deficient, your physician may recommend taking thyroid hormones to boost your thyroid levels. This typically is associated with weight loss because you lose water weight and sodium as well as increasing your BMR. Note, however, that taking thyroid hormone if your thyroid is working normally, is not a safe or effective weight-loss method.
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