Hypothyroidism, metabolism, weight loss

A

amy1985

New member
I was wondering if anyone knew about the implications of hypothyroidism (treated in my case) for weight loss. I see a lot of things about "you can't eat that little, your metabolism will slow and you won't get anywhere", and while I don't think a massive restriction is a good idea (and am trying to be measured about all this myself), a small part of me wonders "does that really apply to me?" My understanding of my condition is that the thyroid produces metabolism (through the hormones T3 and T4), and in hypothyroidism, it can't or doesn't produce enough hormone and thus the metabolism is slowed (and can theoretically stop). In order to counteract that I take medication (which I'll be taking for the rest of my life) to give me synthetic thyroid hormone. My induction from this is that my metabolism comes largely (in my case, almost entirely) in the form of tablets. Does that mean that questions of metabolism slowing apply less to me than to someone with normal thyroid function? (If anyone's curious, my condition is called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and the medication I take is known as Thyroxine or Levothyroxine. I take close to the maximum dose normally recommended by the NHS)

I do understand that there are other problems associated with not eating enough calories (e.g., not getting nutrients)- and I don't intend to suddenly slash my diet even if my metabolism is unaffected. I'm just curious about the implications of my condition on weight loss.
 
ashleybrown said:
For weight lose you can practice yoga and drink lots of water. It will definitely gives positive results and have no side effects.
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It doesn't have any results no doubt :)

As far as the first post question, you can still loose weight, make sure you take your medication and use a food diary. It may take a little longer, but it works the same as any other weight loss.
 
ashleybrown said:
For weight lose you can practice yoga and drink lots of water. It will definitely gives positive results and have no side effects.
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Agree!! I like the idea... By the way, hypnotism does a big role to play in weight loss, but still it's not the key to loss weight. Hypnotism is like controlling your mind to prepared your body to accept such treatment. That's all...

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hypnotism only works on people who are susceptible. I think people who are susceptible are those who are deeply trusting and/or lacking inhibitions. I had a hypnotherapy treatment last year. I really did trust my therapist who is a clinical psychologist but i think the hypnotism was a waste of time. I wanted it to work. It just didn't.
 
I agree with fortyfour. Besides, what does hypnotism, yoga- or heck, even water- have to do with hypothyroidism and the treatment for it? (If you say you can stop my hypothyroidism I'll want to see peer reviewed scientific literature- not anecdotes, science- and chances are even then I'll probably laugh at the absurdity of it- my thyroid is mostly dead, and the bits that aren't dead are dying) Wishes is the only one who's addressed the post- how is weight loss affected by hypothyroidism? And if such information is available, is the metabolism of someone with treated hypothyroidism still suceptible to the same slowing effects due to change in diet (e.g. calorie restriction) as someone whose metabolism doesn't come almost entirely in pill form?
 
amy1985 said:
I agree with fortyfour. Besides, what does hypnotism, yoga- or heck, even water- have to do with hypothyroidism and the treatment for it? (If you say you can stop my hypothyroidism I'll want to see peer reviewed scientific literature- not anecdotes, science- and chances are even then I'll probably laugh at the absurdity of it- my thyroid is mostly dead, and the bits that aren't dead are dying) Wishes is the only one who's addressed the post- how is weight loss affected by hypothyroidism? And if such information is available, is the metabolism of someone with treated hypothyroidism still suceptible to the same slowing effects due to change in diet (e.g. calorie restriction) as someone whose metabolism doesn't come almost entirely in pill form?
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Haha! I just have to say that I love your response. :smilielol5:

Unfortunately, I don't have anything constructive to add to the conversation becuase my knowledge of this subject is limited to my observation of family members with this condition (but I am going to anyway - lol).
All I can say is what you probably already know - weight loss is possible with hypothyroidism but it is a lot harder (easier once a diagnosis is made and you are receiving treatment). My aunt has to see a doctor, a dietitian and a personal trainer (university grad - not a weekend crash course one). They all need to work together to help her accomplish weight loss as normal 'rules' of weight loss don't apply to her in the way that they would in someone without the condition. She also needs to have her medication monitored as it needs to be adjusted as she loses weight.
So in a nutshell - you may need to speak to your physician about this becuase it is complex and may need professional assistance and advice (instead of random suggestions from internet people who may have very limited knowledge). :) Good luck in finding your answer! I am going to keep an eye on this thread as hypothyroidism runs in my family and I am just now starting to experience symptoms - going to get it checked out in the near future! So here's hoping someone has a good answer for you!
 
My understanding is that if you have treated hypothyroidism you should be able to lose weight in the same way as "normal" people, but my anecdata suggests that my relatives with treated underactive thyroids have a lot more weight problems than those who don't (I have an extensive family history- my mum, her two sisters, a great-grandmother on my mum's side, and my father's mother), including relatives (my sister, who doesn't have thyroid problems, is a rake). I've spoken to my GP about it (my only window into the medical system unless I get treated privately- which I can't afford to- or have an emergency and end up in the hospital) and she just says that I should eat better and get more exercise. (I've asked her about my calorie counting and she says it's fine) I even got my boyfriend, who probably counts as obese and has family history that would make his weight loss more urgent than mine, to ask his GP about resources/ help for general weight loss, and he was told that the only program he could be offered was something that was really aimed at people who had no idea why chips and pies weren't good for you, and it'd be a waste of his time (it was suggested he joined Weight Watchers- I don't see why we can't do essentially that on our own without paying the money).

I didn't know that medication needed to be monitored for weight loss, that's interesting (it does have to be monitored if you have a progressive form of the disease, which I do. I understand that's the most common form in Western countries). I've had this condition since I was 13 and I've only ever seen the medication change (for me, in any case) because of a progression in the disease.

There's a reasonable chance if you're feeling things now and suspecting thyroid problems that you've been becoming unwell over the medium term- it really sneaks up on you. You may not know yourself when it's all sorted out, it can be a dramatic improvement.
 
Hi Amy,

I can answer your question about weight loss and hypothyroidism.

Yes you can lose weight like everyone else as long as you are taking the right dose of medication. I do think it's possible that for some people the weight loss will be a little slower. The same things apply such as if you eat too little it can slow your metabolism. We don't all lose weight at the same rate as everyone's metabolism is a little different. Some of us just have to try harder and lose slower.

Their are many thin, normal weight people that have hypothyroidism and with medication are just fine. Many overweight people that take medication for hypothyroidism use it as an excuse for their weight. While many of those overweight people gained the weight due to the hypothyroidism before it was diagnosed, once they are on the right dose they can usually lose the weight just like everyone else. It doesn't just drop off when you start taking medication, you have to work at it through diet and exercise.

I have been on thyroid medication for over 20 years. Sometimes my medication has to be adjusted now and then. I get regular testing to make sure I stay on the right dose.

My top weight was 242, 11 years ago I lost 100lbs, 5 years ago I started gaining weight again due to my overeating and went back up to 210 lbs. I have changed my eating habits and have been exercising and I am now at 158 lbs. I'm 54 years old and do find the weight comes off slower than it did 11 years ago. But It is coming off. So we don't get a pass to be overweight just because we have hypothyroidism.

I hope this helps.

Lynn
 
I agree entirely with BigLynn. I didn't go into detail before because i think amy and I have already discussed it.

The meds we take are the hormones our thyroid can't produce by itself so that we can have normal metabolism. I have always been able to lose weight as easily as before and after being diagnosed.

I think it is harder for those people who don't get diagnosed until they have already have had the disease sometime before diagnosis. These people are usually already very overweight by the time they are diagnosed and it can take some time for them to get the right dosage as well get their weight down again. It is considered an insidious disease as its onset is so subtle. One of my doctors told me about a doctor he knew who was an endocrinologist and even he didn't guess that his wife had this disorder until she was well advanced. Perhaps that says something about their relationship but it also says a lot about the disease. I only got diagnosed so early before i put on weight by pure chance.

You seem to be very unusual Amy because you were diagnosed so young. I have no idea what difference that makes to your experience than those of us who get diagnosed later in life that's also why i never commented before. But if there was any problem, i am sure your doctor would have had more to say about it with you.

One of my neighbours has a thyroid problem. Its different to ours but it also has meant weight gain for her. She might need to have hers operated on.
 
Thanks for your responses :)

My weight wasn't a problem before I was diagnosed, but I've always wondered a little if it's contributed to my weight problems (as the "youthful metabolism" my peers are just starting to complain is leaving them- at about 25- left me at about 15). The doctors/ specialists involved in my diagnosis actually think they caught it very, very early on (given my family history they'd been watching out for it, and a year previously I'd been diagnosed with something else that often comes about as a result of thyroid problems- I had normal thyroid function six weeks before I was diagnosed), so I didn't have residual weight to deal with.

I find it strange, given what I've heard, that an endocrinologist wouldn't pick up on it reasonably early. My mum was diagnosed in her 20's, and had been steadily developing health problems since her late teens. Her doctors said that she was just unlucky, until one particular health problem, which endocrinologists also deal with. Apparently the endocrinologist, before Mum had even opened her mouth, opened with "how long have you had an underactive thyroid?"- all the problems vanished after she was on the medication (except the weight, she's had a lot of problems with that).

I have a handle on the basics of my condition (in fact, sometimes I blindside doctors by knowing technical terms and what questions to ask- I want to make sure I'm on top of this). But I wonder if there'd be any health problems with lowering my calorie allowance under 1200, as long as I kept a balanced diet. (Strictly theoretically, I have no intention of actually doing this) Would the (presumably very small) remainder of my thyroid slow as a consequence, would my TSH levels alter, would my blood test results indicate I needed a change in medication? Presumably the metabolism slowdown everyone (including me) warns about comes from the thyroid in "normal" circumstances- but if I keep up the same dose of thyroxine, does that mean that wouldn't happen (or would happen a lot less, because I think some small fraction of my thyroid still remains)? Really just a curiosity.
 
One of the best ways to measure your metabolism is actually to keep note of your temperature.

Your body temperature is a definite link to your metabolism.

If it goes lower than 36.6 degrees celcius at your tounge, it's an indicator that your metabolism is slowed.
 
ARen't you going to tell us how to measure our metabolism? Taking our temperature doesn't tell us much at all.

Everyone's metabolism slows when they sleep. That's one reason we are encouraged to eat breakfast in the morning to give it a kickstart.
 
Sure, I'll teach you common sense I suppose.

If you notice that your temperature is lower than it normally is (at that same time of day that you've been taking and monitoring your temperature; with menstrual cycles accounted for), you can take that as an indicator that your metabolic rate is dropping. Vice versa if it's higher.

It's just like watching your weight on the scale. You do it too frequently, and at different times of the day, it's not going to do jack, but if you apply some basic understanding behind the principle, you might get something from it.
 
I don't know Amy, i think you worry and wonder too much about your metabolism.

"I find it strange, given what I've heard, that an endocrinologist wouldn't pick up on it reasonably early."

Possibly because the symptoms develop so slowly. He would have grown accustomed to her changes without noticing them I think. Perhaps he also just didn't pay very much attention to his wife. And if she didn't complain about them, he'd have no reason to notice them. It was an earlier generation. I bet that accounts for some of his lack of observation.
 
I am 23 years old and I have had hypothroidism since I was very little. I don't remember a day in my life that I haven't taken medicine for it. While I have struggled with weight my entire life, I believe this is due to laziness on my part and not the medication. I started the insanity workout a few months ago, and thought that the fat would shed off quickly. However, I am realizing that it takes more time than I realized for me to even build up enough muscle to complete the exercises. From what I have read on here, that seems what the normal person encounters as well. I believe once your thyroid hormone levels are where they need to be, losing weight just takes constant exercise and dietary changes.
 
Once you understand that equation, you're ready to set your weight-loss goals and make a plan for reaching them. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Talk to your doctor, family and friends for support. Also, plan smart: Anticipate how you'll handle situations that challenge your resolve and the inevitable minor setbacks. If you have serious health problems because of your weight, your doctor may suggest weight-loss surgery or medications for you. In this case, you and your doctor will need to thoroughly discuss the potential benefits and the possible risks. But don't forget the bottom line: The key to successful weight loss is a commitment to making permanent changes in your diet and exercise habits.
 
Something to consider

Well I have to say my experience of late gives one to pause. I have taken thyroid medication since i was a small child(Hypothyroidism). Thyroid runs in my family. I believe that Mary Shomon is a good read to help you understand the basics of thyroid problems. Currently, I am recovering from having too much medication (began in Dec-Jan) so i have been back and forth to see an endocrinologist and a gastroenterologist which has diagnosed me with GERD. I have lost from 84 kilo to 66 kilo in 4 month. Interesting fact, I know from experience and previous conversation from different endocrinologist that when you change medication it can take up anywhere from 2 to 4 months for the person feel the change. It depends on the person so if one is sick and only realizes it 6 months after that fact you will not feel better right away after you change your medication. I believe diet and different types of medication also affect your response to the thyroid medication (ex- soy interferes thyroid function). I do believe that dieting and exercising can help but if you are not taking medication that WORKS for you then it will inhibit the ability to loose weight. You should also learn how to read you own test (FT4, FT3, TSH) results and know the proper tables that can help. Learn your body and what works for you. I am happy with the weight lost and I am now exercising but let me tell you having full blown panic attacks/anxiety(due to too much medication) as well as stress is not anything i would wish on anyone. I have managed to reduce the attacks now but it has taken 3 months and i am still going back to have another check at the end of June/July. We have altered my medication 3 times. I also have had a lot of hormonal problems (aka I take the patch) which helps regulate me. I recommend you have your calcium (bone density) checked in your bones as it is a known fact that thyroid medication leeches it and can cause major problems with the body as you age. Hope this helps.
Regards
Tarna
 
I agree with what Tarna has to say about being on the right dose and it taking time for the effects of the medication to show up. The reason we must get the levels checked regularly. Other medications and foods and even what time we take the medication can effect the absorbtion. Too much medication can cause really bad problems. I once had mine too high and it caused a very rapid heart rate so fast I couldn't even count it. It would do this for 1-3 min. every few days. Scared the crap out of me. I thought I had something wrong with my heart. After many tests to make sure it wasn't my heart it all boiled down to my thyroid medication being way too high. 2 years ago my medication was lowered again. Strange but it seems my thyroid has been functioning better as I get older. Too little medication and I'm so tired and sleep a lot.
 
Wow, that's interesting about improved thyroid function. I don't know if it's just my specific condition, but I'm under the distinct impression that my thyroid disease is progressive and irreversible (it was explained to me when I was diagnosed- may be simplistic as I was only 13- that my thyroid is slowly dying, or, rather, being killed by my immune system, and will one day be completely dead).
 
It depends on what is causing your thyroid problems. I don't seem to have any disease with mine. Just has been under active. My moms has remained the same for 40 years. She has had the same dose and doesn't ever need any changes.

It often is progressive. I have however seen others have their doses reduced as they get older.
 
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