Weight Loss in Hypothyroidism: Challenges, Possibilities, and More

Individuals with hypothyroidism often gain excessive weight due to insufficient hormonal production. However, while trying to lose weight, they face multiple challenges due to low basal metabolic rate (BMR). In this condition, the number of calories a body can burn at rest is low, and this affects the body weight. 

Proper medication and a healthy lifestyle can help one control weight gain caused by hypothyroidism. This article explores the effects of hypothyroidism on weight, treatment possibilities, and associated implications.

Challenges of Losing Weight with Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland releases thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which helps in proper digestion and metabolism. Conditions like hypothyroidism reduce the production of these hormones, slowing down the metabolism rate in one’s body. Low levels of thyroid hormones slow down the calorie-burning process in an individual's body, resulting in weight gain. 

When the T3 and T4 levels are not sufficient in an individual’s body, salt and water build-up takes place in the body, causing fluid retention. This condition increases the weight of a person. The effect of hypothyroidism makes a person feel achy, and tired, which increases cravings for sweet foods as an energy source, causing weight gain.

Besides, hypothyroidism also disrupts the production of other hormones like leptin and ghrelin. These hormones are influenced by weight and appetite-regulating hormones, T3 and T4. Thus, insufficient secretion of leptin and ghrelin reduces the weight-losing capacity of the body, leading to obesity.

People with hypothyroidism are resistant to insulin (which regulates the sugar level in one’s body). This condition increases the blood sugar levels and fat stores in a person’s body. Moreover, cortisol, the stress hormone, is influenced by hypothyroidism, leading to overeating and over-weight in individuals.

Medical Approaches to Aid Weight Loss

Patients undergoing hypothyroidism treatment get back to the body weight they used to have before this condition. Individuals diagnosed with hypothyroidism can manage their weight by consuming hormone replacement medicines prescribed by their doctors.

Doctors generally prescribe levothyroxine to restore thyroid hormone levels which will regulate the metabolism rate, controlling weight gain. This medicine, taken in proper dosage, helps stabilise an individual's weight. Though it does not help reduce weight, it brings it back to the normal level. To lose weight, individuals need to follow a proper diet and work out. 

Nutritional Strategies for Weight Loss

In hypothyroidism, one should follow a nutritious diet plan to nourish the thyroid gland, so that it can balance the hormone levels. Here are some of the food choices and habits one can follow to control weight gain in hypothyroidism:

• Fibres and proteins play a crucial role in controlling weight gain. Every meal of an individual should include protein and fibres is a must for lunch and breakfast. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of fibres, while fish, eggs, meat, etc. are sources of protein.
• Iodine and selenium along with Vitamin C, zinc, and iron play a crucial role in maintaining thyroid health. Including whole foods in a diet helps gain optimal nutrition without storing fats in a person's body. Eggs, haddock, sea vegetables, shrimp, etc. are good sources of iodine and for selenium, one can intake Brazil nuts.
• Avoid taking gluten, alcohol, sugar, and any kind of junk food to maintain proper thyroid function.
  Maintain a fixed time for eating meals and snacks to avoid thyroid disorders. Breakfast should be consumed within an hour of waking up to keep the thyroid stress-free.
• In hypothyroidism, individuals must eat frequently in small portions, as the digestive function is slow in this condition. Each meal should contain complex carbs, quality proteins, healthy fats, and fibres for easy digestion.
  Foods containing goitrogens (thyroid-suppressing compounds) such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower should be steamed before cooking to remove the goitrogens.

Role of Physical Activity in Weight Loss

Physical activities help burn calories for weight loss. Regular workout helps burn the fats in one’s body while exercising or even when at rest. Aerobic exercises like riding a bike, playing tennis, or jogging can help in weight loss if done for 300 minutes in a week.

If an individual continues exercising for an hour daily for 5 days a week, he/she can manage the weight gain. Trying multiple activities can end up in not performing even a single one of them. So, it is advisable to pick a convenient activity and stick to it daily. 

Daily workouts will increase the energy level of an individual and reduce fatigue in them. One needs to increase the exercise timing and number of activities to avoid too much stress. However, consulting a doctor before opting for exercise is necessary to avoid complications.

Addressing Other Contributing Factors

Stress can affect overall health and contribute to difficulties in losing weight. Incorporating stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into their daily routines helps individuals with hypothyroidism. Such practices can lower the stress levels and improve emotional and mental health.

Another great way to maintain hormonal balance and support weight loss efforts is quality sleep. Individuals with hypothyroidism may experience sleep disturbances due to their condition. Therefore, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a restful environment can enhance sleep quality.

Monitoring Your Progress

Individuals with hypothyroidism should take up small weekly or monthly goals to reduce a specific weight. Doing suitable sets of activities for a consistent period can help reduce weight. Avoid rapid results and opt for small goals like losing 1-2 pounds a week. 

Such goals help monitor the progress successfully and help achieve the desired results within the set time. However, monitoring the progress not only indicates losing weight, but also improves overall health such as energy levels, physical fitness, stable mood, and so on. 

When to Seek Professional Help?

Untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism will stop an individual from losing weight despite several trials. Proper diet and exercise also fail to stop gaining weight if hypothyroidism is not treated at the right time. Thus, seeking professional help during such occasions is necessary for proper guidance.

Medical interventions can help control the thyroid hormone level and help stop further weight gain. In most cases, low T3 leads to weight gain in individuals with hypothyroidism. Doctors prescribe liothyronine drugs to regulate T3 levels, thereby helping in weight management. 

Conclusion

Managing or losing weight in hypothyroidism is challenging but achievable. One needs to follow a healthy diet plan and physical activity to nourish the thyroid gland for adequate hormone secretion. However, there are cases where only diet and exercise cannot play the lead. Here comes the need for proper diagnosis and treatment. Consulting a professional healthcare provider is essential before implementing any dietary changes or taking supplements. They can guide the weight loss journey of individuals with hypothyroidism without affecting their health.