The Reality of Hypothyroidism Weight Loss
If you’re suffering from hypothyroidism and are struggling to lose weight I’m sure the thought has crossed your mind as to whether or not you can succeed while on a hypothyroidism weight loss diet.
I’ve seen many questions come up in forums where men and women are concerned that they can’t lose weight since they are hypothyroid. They’ve tried a number of ways for a short amount of time but didn’t see any improvement in their weight so they get disgusted and quit trying. When suffering from an underactive thyroid it’s not uncommon to feel this way. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are many and varied but weight gain and fatigue are among the most frustrating.
First, let me say that it is possible to lose weight even if you are suffering from a low thyroid. But, let’s discuss what it means to be hypothyroid for a moment. When suffering from hypothyroidism one of the unfortunate symptoms is that of weight gain or trouble losing the weight you already have. Why is this? Well, it’s due to the fact that when your thyroid gland isn’t producing the proper amount of hormones your metabolism starts to slow down considerably. You begin to feel fatigued all of the time even after sleeping all night but, you also begin to have weight issues.
“But, I already know this. How does this relate to me? What do I do to succeed with my hypothyroidism diet?”
Ok, fair enough question. Here is the short answer: To be able to control your weight you need to get control over your metabolism. One of the first ways is to get on hormone replacement therapy prescribed by your doctor or endocrinologist. One of the drugs commonly used for this is called Synthroid or a generic substitute. The most important thing is to get your thyroid hormone levels under control and managed.
Another way would be to try a thyroid health supplement such as Thyromine. But always consult with you Doctor before using supplements. There are certain foods that also promote healthy thyroid function. Eating healthy is always a good choice in general.
The point of this boils down to one common denominator increasing your metabolism. By boosting your metabolism through various techniques and strategies you improve your chances of losing weight.
Setting Some Realistic Hypothyroidism Weight Loss Goals
Your primary goal should be to become a healthier individual in general and not to get hung up on being a size 4. Some of us will never get to that size no matter how hard we diet anyway. So it’s best to set realistic goals to become healthy, improve your cardiovascular system, to lose unwanted weight and to eat as healthy as possible. By eating properly and exercising your overall health will improve.
Also, by eating the right foods and exercising regularly you’ll be able to avoid many of the other diseases that accompany weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle. Such as high blood pressure, elevated triglyceride levels and high cholesterol. All of which contribute to heart disease and can cause heart attacks and strokes.
If you think in these terms you’ll be surprised just how well you succeed at your hypothyroidism weight loss goals.
I completely agree with your last statement that our goal should be to become healthier individuals rather than trying to become a certain size. I’d rather feel great on a daily basis than look like a model and feel like crap!
Thanks Maureen! Too many people get caught up with the weight loss aspect of being healthy and not looking at the whole picture.
For most people losing weight it’s a struggle, for those that have added difficulties such as hypothyroidism, it’s a mightmare. Your tips and information here are spot on and I look forward to reading your future articles.
Thank you Brenda! I’m glad that I can help.
I had thyroid cancer 10 years ago. My entire thyroid was removed. Ten years later and the Dr. still can’t get my hormone levels normal. we alternate doeses and still it doesn’t work. I’m either off the chart one end or the other. I take synthroid, but there’s not a strenth that works for me. I am going crazy trying to lose weight. Is natural hormones better?
I have been on hypo thyroid medication for the past 10 years also and like Kate cant seem to get the hormone levels normal though my thyroid is intact. Do yoga exercises for 1 hour and meditation for 45 min morning and 30 min. evening. Am more or less careful with diet. But problem of bloating is uncomfortable. Weight loss is sooooo little despite being disciplined.
Am going to follow your advice on bloating. But weight loss is such an uphill task.
Any advice to vegetarians?
Thanks
I am not taking any medication for my hypothyroidism,but I am considering it. I feel tired and irritable alot. Some days my jeans fit ok and other days they are so tight, I can’t zip them! I get so upset, I want ot cry. I told my boyfriend that winter will be here soon and I have alot of jeans in my closet that I will not be able to wear or can’t wear anymore! I have to do something.I have a new grand daughter, she is fat and has a big head. I walked in on my boyfriend talking to her and playing, He said, “You have a big head and a fat belly just like your grandma.” This really hurt my feelings! I told him that it did and he apologized. I really need strenght, encouragement and ambition to lose this unwanted weight! I am 50lbs. over weight. I feel depressed alot, I need good friends, not someone who is gonna hurt my feelings.
Angela,
If you do suffer from hypothyroidism then you need to be diagnosed by a doctor and you need to take thyroid medication on a daily basis. If you don’t then you will eventually experience so pretty bad health issues that can be avoided through proper treatment. These issues include memory loss, depression and in the later stages heart disease and myxedema coma which is abnormally low body temperature, effects you overall mental being, causes edema and in the long run even death if left untreated. This is a disease where treatment is a part of your daily routine. It basically only requires taking 1 pill as directed each day and a visit to your doctor twice a year in order to live a normal healthy functional life. Your depression and weight gain will be under control through proper medical treatment.
As far as your boyfriends comment I’m sorry that you had to hear that from him, feel a little better knowing that he apologized for it and I hope that he is a little more sensitive toward what you are going through in the future and that he starts to support you instead. Get to the doctors and keep your chin up. It’s not as bad as it seems or as it could be.