Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid, causing an increase in body fat due its incessant activation of the thyroid gland, which helps regulate body weight. Most common in women more than 20 years old, patients diagnosed with the condition first must address the thyroid's hyperactivity before attempting to lose weight.
Effective Treatment
Treatment for the symptoms of Graves' disease is paramount in helping the patient maintain a healthy body weight since as of 2011 no cure exists. In North America, the patient is administered doses of radioactive iodine, or "radioiodine," to retard the growth of the gland or in some extreme cases destroy the thyroid entirely. Surgical removal is another option. In Europe and in other parts of the developed world, antithyroid drugs are the treatment method of choice. These drugs inhibit the gland's function but must be taken regularly for the duration of the patient's life.
Diet
Once the patient is undergoing treatment or is cleared by doctors post-operation, correct eating will help her lose accumulated fat in the same way as any other overweight dieter. The patient is often referred to a clinical dietitian or nutritionist who custom-designs a meal plan for the individual that she must follow until she reaches a predetermined healthy weight range. Usually, a diet well under the daily amount of the advised 2,000 calories is ordered, sometimes as low as 1,200 depending on the patient.
Get Moving
Physical activity goes in hand in hand with proper eating when it comes to losing weight. The recovering Graves' patient is advised to undergo exercise testing from a licensed physiologist to determine his acceptable level of physical activity. In the beginning, low-impact exercises are advised; walking, light-resistance exercises or pool activity is advised due to the patient's previous level of inactivity. As the patient loses weight, exercise intensity can be increased to further burn fat stores. Workouts occur either daily or at least three times a week depending on the needs of the patient and the physiologist's evaluation.
Counseling
Many Graves' patients suffer from mental side effects. While treating the thyroid can be successful, recovering patients still can suffer from depression associated with poor self image from being overweight. In some cases, this leads the patient to overeat, which prevents her from controlling her weight. Psychological counseling can be ordered in conjunction with a sound diet and exercise plan to ensure successful treatment.
References
- "Graves' Disease: A Practical Guide"; Elaine & Lisa Moore; 2001
- National Institute of Health: Graves' Disease Overview
- "ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing & Prescription, 7th Ed."; American College of Sports Medicine; 2006
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