Yes, it is possible to lose weight with hypothyroidism. Here are some tips for doing so:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Focus on eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods and sugar as much as you can.
KEY POINT: Most hypothyroidism or low thyroid function is caused by Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune thyroid condition that causes over 90% of all hypothyroidism. You must address the autoimmune process to improve thyroid function. Learn more in this article on “Autoimmune Hashimoto’s Thyroid.”
Consider following a diet specifically designed to remove immune system triggers and support optimal immune system function. Dr. Shook works with people that have Hashimoto’s Disease, and he developed a dietary, lifestyle, and temporary supplementation program to support Hashimoto’s. You can learn more about it in Dr. Shook’s article “What Is The Best Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease Diet?”
Exercise regularly. Exercise helps burn calories and can help to improve overall mood and energy levels. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
KEY POINT: People with an underactive thyroid may not do well with exercise. Talk to your doctor and make sure you are not hypothyroid. You need thyroid hormone to produce energy, or exercise will be difficult. Consider starting with low-intensity activities like walking, yoga, or swimming.
Increase your metabolism naturally with supplements like selenium, magnesium, vitamin D, and fish oil which can help support thyroid function, or Vitamin B12, which is known to boost energy levels.
Monitor your weight regularly and make adjustments as needed by tracking what you eat, how often you exercise, and how much weight you’re losing over time.
KEY POINT: An application like Cronometer is an excellent app to consider using.
Talk to your doctor about any medications that may be needed to assist in maintaining metabolic balance while also trying to lose weight with hypothyroidism. With hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland loses its ability to produce thyroid hormones, lowering thyroid hormone levels. You will have difficulty losing weight and reaching a healthy weight if you do not have enough thyroid hormone, which is required for normal metabolism and weight loss.
What is the relationship between an underactive thyroid and weight gain?
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can cause weight gain as the metabolism slows down and the body does not produce energy efficiently. Thyroid hormone is required to produce energy.
This leads to a lower ability to produce energy and burn calories which can lead to weight gain if these extra calories are not burned off. Additionally, a decrease in thyroid hormones causes an increase in both water retention and fat storage, making it harder to lose weight.
How does hypothyroidism affect metabolism and weight gain?
The relationship between an underactive thyroid and weight gain is that an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause the body to slow down its metabolism, leading to an increase in weight.
A lack of hormones produced by the thyroid can also result in a decrease in energy levels, making it more difficult for a person to stay active and burn calories.
As a result, someone with hypothyroidism may have difficulty losing weight or may even gain weight.
What is the relationship between BMR and weight gain?
The relationship between BMR and weight gain is not necessarily direct.
BMR is the amount of energy a person needs to expend in order to maintain their weight, while weight gain is an increase in body mass.
Generally, increasing one’s BMR will result in weight loss as more calories are burned; conversely, decreasing one’s BMR may lead to weight gain as fewer calories are burnt.
However, other factors such as diet and exercise also contribute to a person’s ability to maintain or build body mass.
To Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism, Do You Need Thyroid Hormones Replaced?
The answer is yes. In most cases, thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be necessary to help with weight loss in people with hypothyroidism becasue their thyroid may not produce enough thyroid hormone to maintain adequate energy level production.
Thyroid hormone replacement is prescribed to replace the hormones that are not being produced by the body. It can help restore the balance of hormones and lead to significant weight loss. However, it is important to note that this type of treatment should only be done under medical supervision and tailored to each individual patient’s needs.
How much weight can I expect to lose once the hypothyroidism is treated?
Once hypothyroidism is treated, it can be difficult to predict how much weight you will lose, as weight loss depends on a variety of factors, including diet and exercise.
While some people may experience significant weight loss when their thyroid is properly regulated, others may not see any change in their weight.
Additionally, any medication used to treat hypothyroidism can also affect body weight. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about what you can expect when it comes to treating hypothyroidism and possible changes in your body weight.
Remember that about 9 out of 10 people are hypothyroid becasue of Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune disease that destroys the thyroid gland resulting in low thyroid output and chronic low-grade inflammation. You must address the autoimmune disease and follow your doctor’s recommendations on thyroid replacement hormones to have a better chance at weight loss and healthy thyroid function.
Why Hypothyroidism Can Lead to Weight Gain
Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain because the condition causes a slower metabolism. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, it slows down the body’s natural processes and makes it more difficult for the body to burn calories.
This reduced calorie burning leads to an increase in stored fat and, ultimately, weight gain. Hypothyroidism can also cause fatigue, which can make exercise difficult or impossible, further contributing to weight gain. In addition, hypothyroidism can lead to an increase in appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, making it easier to consume more calories than are needed and leading to additional weight gain.
Monitor hormone levels regularly with thyroid disease for optimal weight loss.
Regularly monitoring hormone levels with thyroid disease is essential for optimal weight loss. Thyroid hormones, specifically T3 and T4, can affect weight and fat distribution becasue they drive cellular energy production.
By measuring these hormones, you can help ensure that you are getting the right dosage of medication to maintain a healthy weight.
Additionally, if your levels are too high or too low, it could lead to side effects such as fatigue, energy issues, or difficulty losing weight. It’s important to be aware of your hormone levels and have them regularly checked by your doctor or endocrinologist.
If you are interested in learning about the thyroid lab tests that you need to have done, take a look at our guidebook on the 9 Lab Tests Required to Understand Your Thyroid here, Thyroid Lab Tests Guide, it’s only $7.
Why do I gain weight when hyperthyroidism is treated?
The main reason why people gain weight when hyperthyroidism is treated is the thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, and if they are not present, or if they are being suppressed as with hyperthyroid medications, surgery, or ablation of the thyroid gland, the hormones will not be in sufficient amounts, and the metabolism will slow down.
As a result, fewer calories are burned, which can lead to unwanted weight gain. Additionally, if a person’s dietary habits do not change after their hyperthyroidism is treated, they may be consuming more calories than they need, leading to further weight gains.
FAQs
Can you lose weight if you have hypothyroidism?
Yes, it is possible to lose weight if you have hypothyroidism. However, it may be more difficult than for people without the condition.
The most important way to achieve successful weight loss with hypothyroidism is to follow a healthy diet and exercise plan that is tailored to your individual needs. Additionally, getting regular thyroid hormone replacement therapy can help improve metabolism and aid in weight loss.
How to lose 20 pounds with hypothyroidism?
If you have hypothyroidism and want to lose 20 pounds, the most important thing is to start by focusing on your overall health.
Talk to your doctor about a personalized diet plan that considers any medications or supplements you might be taking. The best type of doctor to work with to optimize your health is a functional medicine practitioner.
Keep your primary care physician and specialist, but make sure you have a functional medicine doctor as part of your healthcare team.
Make sure to get adequate rest and reduce stress levels as much as possible.
Consider adding some type of regular physical activity to your daily routine, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga.
Be mindful of the foods you eat and focus on eating nutrient-rich foods like lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Avoid sugary drinks or processed snacks.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help with weight loss by keeping you full and hydrated.
Finally, remember that it may take time for your body to adjust to any changes in diet or exercise so be patient with yourself and don’t give up if you don’t see immediate results—your long term health is worth it!
Does hypothyroidism cause rapid weight loss?
No, hypothyroidism typically causes slow weight gain or weight loss. However, in some cases, people with untreated hypothyroidism can experience rapid weight loss due to poor appetite and nutrient malabsorption.
It is much more common for people to experience weight gain with hypothyroidism.
How long does it take to lose weight with hypothyroidism?
It depends on the severity of the condition and the individual, but it can take some time for weight loss to occur when dealing with hypothyroidism.
Weight loss is one of the most difficult goals to achieve when dealing with hypothyroidism and can often take months or even years to achieve.
The thyroid hormone helps regulate metabolism, which can affect weight loss, so it’s important to work closely with a doctor to ensure that medications are properly adjusted in order to maximize weight loss.
Why is it so difficult to lose weight with hypothyroidism?
It can take several months to lose weight with hypothyroidism.
This is because the hormone imbalance caused by the condition can slow down the body’s metabolic rate, making it difficult for the body to burn off calories efficiently.
Furthermore, many people with hypothyroidism experience fatigue and low energy due to their slower metabolism, which can make it hard to find the motivation or energy needed to exercise and lose weight.
Can hypothyroidism weight gain be reversed?
Yes, hypothyroidism weight gain can be reversed. Treatment for hypothyroidism typically involves taking a daily thyroid hormone supplement, which should help restore normal hormone levels and reverse any weight gain. Additionally, by adopting healthy lifestyle habits like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep, one can help speed up their metabolism and reduce excess body weight.
Is fasting good for hypothyroidism?
There is no clear consensus on whether fasting is beneficial or detrimental to hypothyroidism specifically. Some research suggests that intermittent fasting may be beneficial in managing symptoms, while other studies suggest that it could worsen them.
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning any kind of fasting regimen, especially if you have hypothyroidism. The best diet for thyroid problems is usually a diet specifically targeting dampening autoimmunity.
This is because most hypothyroidism is caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid. I recommend reading our article on the Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease Diet for a more detail explanation.
Will I lose weight once I start taking thyroid medication?
It is possible to lose weight with thyroid medication, but it depends on the individual. Everyone’s metabolism and response to medication is different, so it is likely that you will only know the answer to this question after you begin taking your medication.
If you have been prescribed thyroid medication, work closely with your doctor or endocrinologist to monitor your weight loss and adjust your dosage as needed.
Is it possible to lose weight when you have hypothyroidism?
Yes, it is possible to lose weight when you have hypothyroidism. The key is to work closely with your doctor and follow their instructions.
It is important to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to reach a healthy body weight. Additionally, certain medications may be prescribed to help regulate thyroid hormone levels, which can also help promote weight loss.
How to lose weight on levothyroxine?
Start a healthy diet: Choose foods that are low in calories, high in fiber and nutrient-dense. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks and trans fats. An autoimmune paleo diet is an excellent approach. We have created a dietary, lifestyle, and supplementation program to help people better understand the dietary and lifestyle factors that need to consider. You can learn more about it in Dr. Shook’s article “What Is The Best Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease Diet?”
Increase your physical activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Choose activities you enjoy such as walking, cycling or swimming for maximum benefit.
Monitor your calorie intake: Pay attention to how many calories you’re consuming each day and aim to reduce them slightly if necessary. Keep track of your daily food intake using an online calorie counting program or app like Cronometer.
Make lifestyle changes: Make adjustments to your lifestyle such as reducing stress levels and getting better quality sleep can help with weight loss on levothyroxine and overall health. Talk to your doctor about any underlying medical conditions that could be causing excessive weight gain and look into treatments if necessary.
Take supplements that support weight loss: Some supplements, such as selenium, green tea extract, omega-3 fatty acids and L-carnitine may help reduce body fat while taking levothyroxine by supporting metabolic processes in the body that break down stored fat molecules into energy sources (glycerol)
