Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland produces too little or no thyroid hormone. This results in fatigue, constipation, muscle weakness, cold sensitivity and other symptoms. People with hypothyroidism are more likely to be overweight and often have greater difficulty losing weight, especially if the disorder is poorly controlled. Fortunately, a combination of medication, dietary changes and regular exercise are usually sufficient to cause weight loss in most people. Consult your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise program.
Step 1
Take medication for your hypothyroidism as prescribed by your doctor. In addition to treating your underlying condition, thyroid medications promote weight loss in some people, according to the American Thyroid Association.
Step 2
Limit your salt intake to reduce weight and water retention. You may be especially prone to bloating and water weight because of your thyroid dysfunction. Avoid processed, canned and convenience foods, all of which are generally high in sodium, and use herbs and spices to season your meals instead of table salt.
Step 3
Reduce your daily caloric intake by 500 calories to lose 1 pound per week. Eat lean meats, low-fat dairy foods, vegetables, fruits and whole grains and limit your intake of sugary drinks and snacks.
Step 4
Eat smaller meals more often and pay special attention to portion sizes. Eating regularly throughout the day stabilizes your blood sugar to curb hunger and boosts your metabolism to encourage weight loss.
Step 5
Speak with your doctor about eating broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, soybeans, cabbage and other foods that contain goitrogens on a daily basis. Goitrogens may decrease the effectiveness of natural thyroid hormones if you suffer from a thyroid deficiency, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, resulting in uncontrolled symptoms and weight gain.
Step 6
Exercise most days of the week to burn additional calories and improve your overall health. Aim for 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity at least five days per week. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a combination of cardiovascular exercise and resistance training to burn calories and build muscle mass.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Counting Calories: Get Back to Weight-Loss Basics; December 2009
- American Thyroid Association; Thyroid and Weight; 2005
- American College of Sports Medicine; Guidelines for Healthy Adults Under Age 65; 2007
- Linus Pauling Institute; Iodine; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; April 2003
- MayoClinic.com; Hypothyroidism Symptoms; June 2010
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