“Doctor, my thyroid is the reason I cannot lose weight.” I hear this very often. The truth is a little more complicated, and in many ways more hopeful.
What thyroid can and cannot do
An underactive thyroid slows the metabolism a little. Studies suggest the weight gain from untreated hypothyroidism is usually modest, often a few kilos, and part of it is water. It rarely explains a gain of 15 or 20 kilos on its own.
What happens after treatment
When thyroid hormone is brought to normal with medicine, some of the extra weight, mainly water, comes off. But most people do not lose a large amount of fat just from the tablet. Weight loss still needs food and activity changes.
Other things that cause weight gain
- Less activity because of tiredness and sleepiness.
- Eating more, particularly sweets and snacks, when stressed or sleepy.
- PCOS, insulin resistance, poor sleep, certain medicines.
- Natural ageing and muscle loss.
What to do
- Get TSH checked and keep it in range with the right dose of medicine.
- Walk daily, add strength exercises twice a week.
- Sleep 7 hours.
- Eat more protein and vegetables, and fewer fried and sugary foods.
- Do not take extra thyroid tablets to lose weight. This is dangerous and can harm the heart and bones.
A balanced view
Thyroid is a real factor, but rarely the only one. When both the thyroid and lifestyle are looked after, the results are better and last longer.
If you are in Gopanpally, Gowlidoddi, Nallagandla, Tellapur or the Financial District, you can talk to us about both thyroid and weight care in one visit. See our weight care page or contact us.
A few things to try for 8 weeks
Many people find that small steps beat big promises. For the next eight weeks, try this: walk 30 minutes on five days, swap sweet tea and biscuits for a handful of nuts or roasted chana, have dal or egg at breakfast, and go to bed at the same time every night. Weigh yourself once a week, not daily, and measure your waist once a month. Share the numbers with your doctor. If TSH is normal and weight still does not move, other causes such as PCOS, high insulin or sleep problems can be checked.
Keep reading
Your family doctor,
Akhila Reddy
MBBS, DNB (Family Medicine) | TSMC Reg. No. APMC/FMR/74261
AMC Hospital, Gopanpally, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
This article is for general health education and does not replace a check-up. Every person is different, so please speak to your doctor before changing any medicine. In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.
References
- Garber JR et al. Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults (ATA/AACE). Thyroid 2012;22(12):1200-1235.
- Karmisholt J et al. Weight loss after therapy of hypothyroidism is mainly caused by excretion of excess body water. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011;96(1):E99-E103.
- American Thyroid Association. Thyroid and weight. https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-and-weight/