Hypothyroidism, a hormonal imbalance condition in which the body cannot produce sufficient thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone is responsible for controlled cell growth, repair, and metabolism. Therefore, people with low levels of thyroid hormone tend to show tiredness, hair loss, weight gain, suffering from cold and fatigue all the time. Normally, around 2% of all the population suffers from hypothyroidism and ii is ten times more likely for females to be affected than males.
Females are always conscious of their looks. In all terms, they want to look perfect. But due to hypothyroidism, there is an increase in weight and this increase in weight may appear to them as a demerit to their look. Weight gain is often due to decreased metabolism of the body in a hypothyroidism patient.
In this article:
Symptoms of Losing Weight in Hypothyroidism
Can you Lose Weight if you have Hypothyroidism?
What is the Best Diet for Thyroid Patients to Lose Weight?
Can Thyroid Pills Cause Weight Loss?
How can I Boost My Metabolism with Hypothyroidism?
Symptoms of Losing Weight in Hypothyroidism
It is very common for any individual to develop hypothyroidism and its symptoms are often misdiagnosed. This is because hypothyroidism has lots of symptoms that are similar to symptoms of other diseases and disorders. The common symptoms of hypothyroidism are :
- Fatigue
- Weight gain due to decreased metabolism and there is difficulty to decrease this increased weight.
- Constipation
- Dry and pale non-elastic skin
- Puffy moon face
- Hair loss
- Muscular pain
- Thinning and dryness of hair
- Cold intolerance
- Decreased heart rate
- High levels of cholesterol
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- Mood swings
- Loss of libido
- Numbness
Sometime a patient may appear asymptomatic or may have any kind of genetic anomaly. If left untreated then these symptoms can be life-threatening for the patient.
Can You Lose Weight If You Have Hypothyroidism?
In hypothyroidism, the metabolism of an individual is reduced. This simply implies that the patient needs less amount of calories as it is difficult for their body to cut down calories to generate effective weight loss. It is a challenging task for a hypothyroidism patient to lose weight. Thyroid hormone replacement medication is found to be effective in reducing weight gain but along with this planning, hard work, diet and exercise are also required.
What is the Best Diet for Thyroid Patients to Lose Weight?
Thyroid patients tend to have slow digestion and they experience constipation. It is recommended to have a high fiber diet as they are associated with a weight loss phenomenon. Some of the food substances which help in the reduction of weight in hypothyroidism patient are as follows :
- Chia seeds
- Coconut Oil
- Grapefruit
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid
- Cinnamon
- Caralluma
- Green Tea
These food substances are consumed to boost up the metabolism of an individual. Thus, they are highly recommended in Hypothyroidism patients.
Can Thyroid Pills Cause Weight Loss?
The drug of choice in the treatment of hypothyroidism is Levothyroxine (LT4) for the restoration of normal thyroid levels. This drug is found not too help in reducing the weight significantly. About 52% of people lose weight within 24 months of medications. Obesity and hypothyroidism go hand in hand.
How can I Boost My Metabolism with Hypothyroidism?
Following given below are seven strategies to effectively reduce weight in hypothyroidism.
Uptake of more Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Anti-inflammatory foods help in reducing joint pains as well as depression which are seen in hypothyroidism. An anti-inflammatory diet has the ability to calm the immune system and excessive inflammation. Food like green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, fatty fish and olive oil are helpful and known to fight inflammation. This type of diet is also helpful in reducing the burden on the liver.
Avoid Sugar and Simple Carbohydrates
It is recommended to consume a low to moderate carbohydrate diet which is more complex carbohydrates. Low calorie diet intake cause stress response and result in decreased T3 levels ( an active thyroid hormone)
Frequented Small Meals
Eating in small quantities with an increased number of intervals is a good technique in reducing weight. More importantly, the meal should be balanced with the optimum amount of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Exercise
The basic thing needed for an individual to burn calories is to exercise along with a healthy diet.
Food Diary Maintenance
It is important to note down the daily uptake of macronutrients in order to keep track. It is important to have a balanced diet daily.
Thyroid Medication
Thyroid medications are usually subjected to be taken empty stomach. Therefore, the very first thing to be done in the morning is to take the medication properly as this could affect the ability of an individual to lose weight.
Conclusion
Losing weight in hypothyroidism is a difficult task. It needs the complete dedication and strength of an individual to work upon it. Hypothyroidism is increasing in the modern era and thus our preventive measures should also be effective.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23902316
