Thyroid Weight Loss
I do not know why, but some subjects attract a lot of hype. Thyroid + weight loss = thyroid weight loss = hype. Seriously, more and more people are saying that their thyroid function is out of whack and that is why they cannot lose weight, or they cannot lose weight as fast as they think they should lose it.
How do they know that? Why would you jump to a conclusion that your thyroid function inhibits your weight loss performance? I am not saying that there is no connection between your thyroid and weight loss, it is just that there could be a lot of other reasons why you are not losing weight.
That said, if you are a woman after 30, research shows that one in eight women may develop a thyroid problem at some point, which does not automatically mean that your thyroid function will have a negative effect on your weight loss performance.
Some experience what is known as a “slow thyroid” during or following pregnancy, because the body may then produce antibodies to this gland. If untreated, a slow thyroid function could increase your risk of miscarriage and premature delivery. Sufficient levels of thyroid hormone are also very important to proper development and differentiation of the fetal brain in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Alcohol, drugs, poor diet, strenuous exercise, pesticide residues, and radiation may be culprits. Iodine levels are also important to healthy thyroid function. If you suspect that you have a problem with your thyroid, consult with your doctor and ask him or her if adding kelp, iodine-rich seafood or a mineral formula that contains selenium is appropriate for your condition.
The bottom line on thyroid and weight loss While it seems that women are more predisposed to develop thyroid problems than men, the notion that women often have problems losing weight because of the way their thyroid functions is overhyped and not true.
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04-16-09 at 2:04 pm
Wow, I beg to differ with you! My weight gain is indeed because of my thyroid. I started gaining a little weight here and there even though my diet and exercise routine hadn’t changed. I was really tired and had no energy and noticed changes in my hair and nails. Found out that I have Hashimoto’s Disease, which is an autoimmune disease ~ basically, my body is attacking my thyroid and is destroying it. I also have a benigh nodule on my thyroid which could turn into something else so I have to keep an eye on that as well. After about 6 months, they’ve still not been able to get my medications at the right levels. and I continue to slowly gain, even though I exercise regularly and watch my diet. I don’t think it’s overhyped at all. I think it’s the opposite, which keeps the fad diets and fad weight loss pills flourishing. If you are gaining weight and feeling tired and sluggish, have your thyroid checked first before going on yo-yo diets and spending hundreds on weight-loss pills that don’t do anything but cause you to lose your money.