Medicine and treatment

Difficult, but possible: how to lose weight with hypothyroidism

For the production of hormones that regulate the metabolic rate, as well as many other important functions of the body, the butterfly-like gland is responsible – thyroid gland. When this gland is underactive, it secretes fewer hormones, resulting in a slower metabolism and consequent weight gain. Due to such changes, losing weight with hypothyroidism also becomes much more difficult: patients often complain that the weight does not go away even in conditions of physical exertion and diet correction. How to choose a strategy to combat excess weight in hypothyroidism?

How can you tell if you're not losing weight because of hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is often not detected in a timely manner, because patients attribute the symptoms of this disease to the influence of other factors. Signs of an underactive thyroid are:

  • constant tiredness and drowsiness (patients can sleep up to 12 hours a night and still lack energy);
  • frequent infections and colds;
  • skin pallor;
  • brittleness and hair loss;
  • tendency to edema;
  • decrease in body temperature;
  • excessive sweating;
  • lethargy;
  • tendency to irritability and tearfulness;
  • pain in the joints;
  • menstrual irregularities;
  • high cholesterol;
  • constipation and indigestion;
  • impaired attention, concentration;
  • increased sensitivity to cold;
  • unexplained weight gain.

Unexplained weight gain, not due to changes in diet or physical activity, is one of the main symptoms of hypothyroidism.

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How to lose weight with hypothyroidism: what to look for

The first thing to do to lose weight with hypothyroidism, – take the drugs prescribed by the doctor, observing their dosage. This will normalize the level of thyroid hormones in the body. If this is not done, getting rid of excess weight will be much more difficult, if not impossible.

When the first step towards losing weight is taken, follow the recommendations below:

  1. Avoid simple carbohydrates

For those with hypothyroidism, it is important to follow a moderate to low carbohydrate diet, which should be predominantly complex, to lose weight. The fact is that a metabolism slowed down due to reduced thyroid activity complicates the process of burning calories, therefore it is advisable to reduce their number in the diet, but not too radically so as not to expose the body to stress, which will lead to a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones. 

  1. Move

Since for weight loss with hypothyroidism it is necessary to "disperse" metabolism, exercise is indispensable. Of course, the level and type of physical activity estet-portal.com recommends choosing depending on the state of your body, however, studies show that it is exercises aimed at increasing muscle mass (strength training), if performed twice a week for 30 minutes, that is beneficial affect the metabolic rate.

Regular brisk walking (45 & ndash; 60 minutes a day) will also benefit.  

  1. Eat often

Frequent, small meals are very important for maintaining metabolic rate and weight control in hypothyroidism. Healthy snacking on foods rich in selenium will do the trick. Selenium – a mineral necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and its protection from damage. 

It is almost impossible to lose weight with hypothyroidism without taking drugs prescribed by a doctor to normalize the level of thyroid hormones in the body.

  1. Eat omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids help the body burn fat more efficiently and prevent its accumulation, as well as improve thyroid function. Omega-3s can be found in foods or supplements that a doctor may prescribe if necessary.

  1. Establish quality protein

Low-fat meat, seafood, cheese, cottage cheese, eggs – sources of protein needed to maintain a healthy metabolism, restore the body and increase muscle mass, which is also one of the important factors that determine the metabolic rate.

  1. Iodine, B vitamins and tyrosine

Foods containing iodine, B vitamins and the amino acid tyrosine have a positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland and the balance of hormones. These foods include: lean meat, fish, seeds and nuts, bananas, avocados, seafood, etc. You can find a list of healthy and harmful foods for the thyroid gland in our article.

  1. Drink coffee

Coffee in reasonable amounts (2–3 cups per day) stimulates the activity of the thyroid gland and helps fight the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Also, those who want to lose weight with hypothyroidism are contraindicated in starvation and a sharp reduction in calories consumed. Successful weight control requires a well-balanced diet, maintaining a level of physical activity and, of course, following a medical treatment plan prescribed by a doctor.


  • Comments (1)

    Мария#1432
    05 сентября 2017, 13:06

    Jписанные Вами в статье рекомендации будут работать для любого человека, желающего похудеть. Все диетологи уже давно талдычат о том, что частое и дробное питание способно решить большинство проблем со здоровьем - продукты полезные, не содержащие химии и большого количества простых углеводов. Тот же йогурт. Если брать с полки в супермаркете любой кроме порции питательных веществ получите кучу сахара и химических добавок. Иное дело - продукт, приготовленный дома на хорошем молоке и свежих бактериях (я люблю, например, закваски). Тут вы и в качестве уверены будете, и в свежести (хранится такая еда только в холодильнике и не дольше трех дней). Что касается простых углеводов - то их в любом случае лучше получать из ягод и фруктов. Я, например, позволяю себе их в небольшом количестве и только до 12-00.


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