Hypothyroidism is type of thyroid disease that occurs when the body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone to properly regulate metabolism. One side effect from untreated hypothyroidism is unintentional weight gain, considered unpleasant by many people with this disease. However, hypothyroidism is a treatable disease. If you have hypothyroidism and have gained weight as a result, it is possible to lose any excess body weight you've gained.
Background
Treatment for hypothyroidism involves taking a synthetic form of thyroid hormone in tablet form. Synthroid is commonly used, or levothyroxine, which is a generic form of Synthroid. Once the thyroid levels in your body are back to normal, it should be easier for you to lose excess weight gained from hypothyroidism. The first step in a weight loss diet for hypothyroidism is to seek treatment for the disease.
Thyroid Medications
Although taking synthetic thyroid medication can lead to weight loss in people with hypothyroidism, its use is not encouraged for the sole purpose of weight loss in patients without thyroid diseases. Thyroid medications are not an effective treatment for obesity in people with normal thyroid levels, and too much thyroid hormone in the body can lead to serious health problems.
Diet
No specific weight loss diet is recommended if your hypothyroidism is controlled, meaning your thyroid levels are in a normal range. In order to lose excess body weight, the same general weight loss guidelines apply to people with controlled hypothyroidism as for the general population.
Calories
Cutting daily calories by 500 to 1,000 per day can help you lose about 1 to 2 Ibs. per week during the first six months, and that approach is encouraged by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Adding regular physical activity to your weight loss program can help reduce body fat, tighten and tone your body and help maintain your weight loss long-term.
Carbohydrates and Fiber
Reducing your carbohydrate intake to lose weight may help you reduce your overall daily calorie intake during the first six months of weight loss. However, according to the ADA, research indicates that following a low-carb diet generally won't help you lose more weight than other types of calorie-reduced diets after one year. In addition, fiber is a type of carbohydrate that when added to your diet can help you feel full on fewer calories and thus is helpful for weight management.
References
- Medline Plus: Levothyroxine
- American Dietetic Association: Adult Weight Management (AWM) Realistic Weight Goal Setting
- American Dietetic Association: American Dietetic Association Publishes Evidence-based Nutrition Practice Guidelines for Registered Dietitians
- Medline Plus: Soluble and Insoluble Fiber
