People with thyroid problems often have difficulty losing weight, even if they are taking thyroid medication. Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, happens when not enough thyroid hormone is produced by the body. Although most people have symptoms in the onset of the disorder that cause them to seek medical counseling, if left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to obesity, heart problems, high cholesterol, joint problems and infertility. Though it often takes more effort, it is possible to lose weight with an underactive thyroid.
Losing Weight With Hypothyroidism
Step 1
Notice whether you have any of the following symptoms: unexplained weight gain, brittle fingernails and hair, fatigue, dry skin, pain or stiffness in your joints, depression, constipation or increased sensitivity to cold. If you do, you could have hypothyroidism. If you're a woman over 50, you're even more at risk.
Step 2
Make an appointment with your doctor to be tested. Your diagnosis will be determined by the results of blood tests that measure your TSH level and sometimes the level of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. If you have hypothyroidism, your doctor will prescribe medication. Standard treatment is levothyroxine, a synthetic hormone, which goes by the name of Synthroid or Levothroid. Some people feel better on natural extracts from the thyroid glands of pigs, containing both thyroxine, or T4, and triiodothyronine, or T3. One such brand is Armour thyroid.
Step 3
Take your thyroid medication as directed and be aware if you have any of the symptoms of excessive thyroid hormone such as increased appetite, insomnia, heart palpitations or shakiness. You'll probably be tested in two to three months to see if your dosage is correct.
Step 4
Monitor whether you're taking any of the following medications that could interfere with thyroid absorption if you aren't losing any weight you gained before being diagnosed: iron supplements; cholestyramine; aluminum hydroxide, found in some antacids; and calcium supplements. Soy supplements, a high fiber diet, and regular consumption of goitrogenic foods such as Brussels sprouts, rutabaga, turnips, radishes, cauliflower, millet, cabbage and kale have been implicated as interfering with thyroid absorption as well.
Step 5
Consider taking T3, or triiodothyronine, along with T4, if you're still having symptoms, including the inability to lose weight. A study in the February 1999 "New England Journal of Medicine" found that many patients feel better on a combination of T4 and T3 hormones. Patients found relief from depression, brain fog, fatigue and other symptoms with the addition of T3.
Step 6
Eat a low fat, low carbohydrate, protein sufficient diet. According to Mary Shomon, thyroid advocate and author of "Living Well With Hypothyroidism," you need to limit sugar and starches, pasta, rice, potatoes, white flour, cereal, corn, sweet potatoes, desserts and fruits with high sugar content. This leaves you with a diet of chicken, turkey, fish, non-starchy vegetables, legumes and some grains. This diet eliminates insulin resistance, which is a problem for many people with hypothyroidism.
Step 7
Exercise. It will burn calories, lighten your mood, reduce stress and reduce insulin levels. It also raises your metabolism. The key is to find something you enjoy doing and stick with it. Walking, tennis, swimming, bicycling and weight training are all good ways to burn calories.
Tips and Warnings
- Pay close attention to your body and how you feel. If one medication doesn't work for you, try another. Have your T3 levels tested. Some people show plenty of T4 hormone, but have a problem converting it to T3, the more active hormone.
- Do not try to treat your thyroid problem yourself with supplements from the health food store or with herbs or vitamins. It is a medical condition that needs prescribed medication.
Things You'll Need
- Prescribed thyroid medication
- Exercise equipment and clothing
References
- Mayo Clinic: Hypothyroidism
- Thyroid-Info; Losing Weight With Hypothyroidism; Mary Shomon; April 26, 2011
- "Living Well With Hypothyroidism"; Mary J. Shomon; 2000
Member Comments