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. Hypothyroidism is a case of the underactivity of the thyroid hormone. People suffering from this disease show signs of slow metabolism, which indirectly leads to many other problems. Hair loss, dry skin, fatigue, dizziness, constipation, erratic and heavy periods, muscle aches & pains, foggy head, memory failure, heart pain, swollen legs, etc. can be various symptoms experienced by a person having an underactive thyroid. Obesity and hypothyroidism are closely interlinked, though obesity may also be a result of overeating or unhealthy eating habits.

Increased difficulty in losing weight is one of the major problems a thyroid-deficient person encounters in his/her daily life. A hypothyroid person has low basal metabolic rate (BMR) and so it becomes difficult for the person to have any control over his/her body weight. Frustration creeps in, when the person is not able to keep a check on his/her own body weight. Still, it's not impossible to gain control of the weight, even in hypothyroid condition. With regular checkup and constant monitoring by your doctor, hypothyroidism can be controlled to a large extent. A person needs to have a blood test to confirm the diagnosis of an underactive hypothyroid. The blood level of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) is measured, in order to confirm hypothyroidism. However, in initial stages of hypothyroid cases, the blood levels of T3 and T4 are normal, so the main tool for determining the rise or drop in the hormone level is measuring the blood levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. If there is a decrease in thyroid hormone (T3, T4), the pituitary gland reacts, thereby producing more TSH hormone. The increase in TSH hormone levels in the blood precedes the fall in thyroid hormone levels. Thus, the measurement of TSH levels is elevated in hypothyroid cases. Though, the blood test is a basic step and can be effective in diagnosis, it may not work for everyone. This disease affects in various degrees, ranging from severe to mild, so every person needs a different type of approach toward medication. This is where the role of an endocrinologist comes into play.

Levothyroxine sodium (levothroid, levoxyl, synthroid, unithroid) is the most common synthetic thyroid hormone, that is initially prescribed to a hypothyroid person. These hormones have no side effects and are effective in maintaining proper levels of thyroid. Generally, they are taken on empty stomach in the morning. The diet for this condition must be planned carefully and care must be taken not to eat anything that interacts with the synthetic hormone and impairs its overall effect. Calcium and iron containing foods must be avoided. Antacids supplements are not advisable as they have a tendency to react with synthetic hormones. Edibles such as walnuts, soybean flour and cotton seed meals should be preferably avoided. Care must be taken not to include cholesterol containing foodstuffs in your diet.

Besides this, taking up a healthy lifestyle, can help in losing weight. The best way to lose extra weight is by following the natural ways, like:

• Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water everyday.
• Exercises such as running, walking, swimming, aerobics and bicycling may be very effective in treating the disease.
• Yoga and breathing exercises are the most profound ways of increasing metabolic rate.

Nearly 3% of the world population is affected from hypothyroidism, of which 10% are women. However, it can be effectively controlled and a person suffering from this condition should not lose hope. Maintaining a positive attitude, cooperating with the doctor and determination can work wonders in the process of treatment.