Ever heard anyone say: “ My thyroid is making it difficult for me to lose weight?’
You are probably curious to know how the thyroid gland affects your weight. The thyroid gland has a profound impact on metabolism and might be a daunting challenge when it comes to weight gain and weight loss. Although an unhealthy thyroid is almost always associated with weight issues, it could also increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Since symptoms usually go unnoticed, people with high blood cholesterol should go for thyroid function tests.
The thyroid gland is a 2-inch butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck right below the voice box (larynx). Though the thyroid is small, it is one of the “master controllers” of almost every major metabolic function in the body. The thyroid hormones control the way the body uses energy from carbohydrates, fat, and protein, a process known as metabolism and therefore directly affects weight management. The thyroid hormones also regulate respiration, body temperature, brain development, cholesterol levels, the heart and nervous system, blood calcium levels, menstrual cycles, skin integrity, and more. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, a condition known as Hypothyroidism, metabolism slows down and result in weight gain.
The following may result in hypothyroidism:
Aside from weight gain, other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
These symptoms however develop slowly and may go unnoticed especially in the early stage. untreated hypothyroidism may lead to myxedema coma, an extreme form of hypothyroidism in which the body’s functions slow to the point that it becomes life-threatening and usually require immediate medical treatment.
Many symptoms of Hypothyroidism can be confused with symptoms of other diseases, so hypothyroidism usually cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. If you notice one or more symptoms of Hypothyroidism, your health care provider will likely suggest you do some tests which may include TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test, T4 test, and/or Thyroid autoantibody to confirm the diagnosis.
Absolutely! Hypothyroidism can be treated with synthetic thyroxine, a medication that is identical to the Thyroid hormone T4. Once your health care provider places you on a stable dose, symptoms of hypothyroidism will be completely controlled.
If you are diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, you might struggle with weight loss until your thyroid hormone levels are stabilized. While on medical treatment, your dietitian can help you focus on healthful behaviors to achieve your desired weight. Knowing the right type of dietary choices, the foods allowed and the foods to avoid makes it easy to lose weight. Your dietitian can also ensure you stay within your nutrients and caloric needs.
Foods to avoid or limit include:
Foods to include:
In addition, following a strict exercise regimen with your eating pattern is important. People with hypothyroidism would benefit from lifting weights and dumbbells, and strength training.
It is recommended that calcium supplements and thyroid medications be spaced by at least four hours. This is because Calcium supplements interfere with the proper absorption of thyroid medications. Also, other supplements such as coffee, fiber supplements, chromium picolinate, and flavonoids supplements may suppress thyroid functions and should be spaced by 3-4hours while on thyroid medications.
Losing weight with an underactive thyroid may be very challenging but becomes easier with proper medical and dietary management. Focus on your healthy food choices and stress-relieving exercises, Also, consult a registered dietitian if for individualized dietary counseling as part of your medical management if you are struggling to keep the weight off!
