Underactive Thyroid and Weight Loss
By WLR Dietitian
Q: After gaining weight and having no energy to exercise,
I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid gland. Now having
been on thyroxine I have more energy and am back at the gym
twice a week. But instead of losing weight as my doctor
promised, I’m continuing to put on weight. Does this mean that
even when treated, an underactive thryroid will make it
impossible for me to lose weight?
A: An underactive thyroid condition occurs when
the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient amounts of the thyroid
hormones that help regulate the body’s metabolism.
A lack of these
hormones decreases metabolism, causing symptoms such as weight gain,
tiredness, depression, poor concentration, dry skin and constipation
– all things you’re likely to be familiar with. Fortunately though,
as you have discovered, thyroid disorders can be controlled by
medication.
Many people with an underactive thyroid gain a lot of weight
before a diagnosis is made or if the condition is poorly controlled.
But if you are being prescribed the correct dose of thyroxine,
there’s no reason why you can’t lose weight through sensible eating
and taking more exercise.
However, you should bear in mind that
treatment with thyroxine doesn’t result in an immediate recovery –
it can take up to nine months for the symptoms to improve and even
longer for you to feel better.
If you are sticking to your daily calorie allowance recommended
by WLR, you should be losing weight at your chosen rate. The fact
you’re not achieving this indicates one of two things – either you
are underestimating your calorie intake, or your thyroid problem is not
adequately controlled.
I suggest you keep a food diary for a week,
making sure you record every single item you eat. If, at the end of
the week, you discover you really are sticking to your calorie
allowance, you might want to see your GP to check whether you are
having the correct dose of thyroxine.
You’ll find more information
about hypothyroidism on the British Thyroid Foundation website,
www.btf-thyroid.org
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