Losing Weight with Hypothyroidism

Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ situated in the middle of neck. It is one of the largest endocrine glands and helps in the secretion of many hormones, such as thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and calcitonin, that regulate the metabolism rate of the body.

What is the relationship between thyroid and weight?

It has been appreciated for a very long time that there is a complex relationship between thyroid disease, body weight and metabolism. Thyroid hormone plays a role in the regulation of the body's metabolism. When the body's ability to produce the hormone is limited, there is a reduction in metabolism and subsequent weight gain can occur. Fluid retention is also linked with the development of hypothyroidism and can contribute to added weight. In addition to a reduced metabolism, weight gain prior to the diagnosis can be linked to a variety of factors, including increase in food intake, decrease in physical activity as a result of fatigue, and the aging process.

What is Hypothyroidism weight gain?

Hypothyroidism weight gain is caused by an under active thyroid. It afflicts millions of people every year. It is a result of a decrease in the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The pituitary is the gland that produces this hormone. The thyroid regulates the metabolism that helps to control weight. Without TSH in adequate amounts, weight gain occurs. Often hypothyroidism weight gain is overlooked or attributed to some other underlying ailment.

How can I lose weight with Hypothyroidism?

Losing weight with hypothyroidism can be especially challenging if not done correctly because excessive dieting can lower metabolism even further. It is very important, therefore, to follow a healthy weight loss regimen if you are trying to lose weight with hypothyroidism. Here are a few tips to help you lose weight when you are suffering from Hypothyroidism:

• Check your thyroid levels regularly: Make sure your thyroid levels are checked regularly, so your medication is kept at the correct dosage. Thyroid function can change quite quickly and needs to be monitored at least every 6 months.

• Increase your fiber: Hypothyroidism slows your digestive system down significantly, and most hypothyroid patients suffer from chronic constipation as a result. This build up of fecal matter can cause you to retain excessive water weight and experience severe edema. By increasing your fiber, you help your bowels to eliminate waste and cut back on retaining water weight. Be sure to pair your increased fiber with increased water intake so you don't lead to even greater constipation. Water consumption will also flush out your lymphatic system, further helping water retention problems.

• Get Active: Physical exercise is also greatly encouraged for people with hypothyroidism as it helps the body jump start the metabolism system that burns off excess weight. You don't have to run marathons, or become a fanatic. Even brisk walking in 3-10 minute segments a day will help. Moreover, getting enough rest and adequate sleep also significantly helps the body's metabolism function better. It is also good for people with hypothyroidism to know how to calm their bodies by selecting the most effective technique that works for them. For instance, if using aerobics does not work to relive stress they can choose other methods like tai chi or yoga.

• Having mini meals really does help: Don't have a lot of food at once. Have about five mini meals throughout the day with healthy things on the plate. Frequent smaller meals can help balance blood sugar, prevent fat storage, and help you feel less hungry in general.

• Selenium: It is also believed to help if you increase your selenium intake. This can be done by eating foods such as whole wheat bread, bran, tuna, onions, tomatoes and broccoli. Include some of these foods on a regular basis.

• Helpful Foods: Foods that are helpful for the thyroid function are: carrots, spinach (palak), apricots (khubani), asparagus (shatwar), olive oil, avocado, sunflower seeds, whole grain cereals, bananas, oily fish, so choose meals that include these foods.

• Unhelpful Foods: Foods to eat less of as they may interfere with iodine uptake are: cabbage (patta gobhi), kale, broccoli, kohirabi, mustard (sarson), lima beans, linseed (alsi), sweet potato (shakarkand), peanuts, soy products, so keep these to a minimum. You don't need to cut them out completely.

• Avoid Stimulants: Avoid caffeine drinks like coffee, cola; avoid stimulants like smoking and alcohol as these all effect the thyroid function.

• Drink green tea: People with hypothyroidism tend to have slower metabolisms. Green tea helps to increase your metabolism therefore helping you to lose weight. Drinking Green tea will also increase your energy level, giving you the energy to exercise since hypothyroidism can make you feel so lethargic.

• Supplement with Iodine: Take a Kelp supplement or buy some liquid iodine and make an iodine patch on your skin about the size of a quarter. Iodine helps improve thyroid function. Make sure you talk to your doctor first.

• Reduce Stress: Stress is a major factor and is thought to be a contributing factor to the development of hypothyroidism. One of the best ways to reduce stress is to do regular exercise.

How much weight can a patient expect to lose after the hypothyroidism is treated?

Because much of the weight gain in hypothyroidism is accumulation in salt and water, when the hypothyroidism is treated a patient can expect a small weight loss (usually less than 10% of body weight). Treatment of hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone should result in a return of body weight to what it was before hypothyroidism developed. However, since hypothyroidism usually develops over a long period of time, it is fairly common to find that there is no significant weight loss after successful treatment of hypothyroidism.

No one can take care of your health like you can. Exercise and eating right are two of the best ways any of us can take care of ourselves.