If you eat too many pre-packed and sugary foods and have been off the gym sessions for too long, there is a high chance you will put on weight. But if you have hypothyroidism, the pounds on your scale can gradually increase even if you are on a strict diet.
In this article, we explore hypothyroidism, its relation to weight gain, and what you can do to control it.
Hypothyroidism and Weight Gain
Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, is a medical condition affecting people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Yet it is most common among women after the age of menopause.
Your thyroid gland releases hormones that help regulate your metabolism or how efficiently your body burns food and converts it to energy. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid makes less of its hormones, thus leading to a slowed-down metabolism. Hence, you would not be able to burn off calories as quickly and consequently gain weight.
According to health professionals, people with hypothyroidism usually have gained some weight before their blood test diagnosis. They may also experience fatigue, which makes it harder to have the energy to eat well and work out regularly. When left untreated, hypothyroidism may lead to several medical problems, such as obesity, heart disease, joint pain, and infertility.
The most prevalent cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder whereby the body produces antibodies that attack and destroy the thyroid gland. Another cause that may trigger hypothyroidism is the over-response to hyperthyroidism treatment. This treatment might drop the production of thyroid hormones too much and cause hypothyroidism.
Other causes of hypothyroidism include radiation therapy to the neck area, the usage of certain medications, iodine deficiency, pregnancy, and others.
How to Manage Your Weight
If you have hypothyroidism, despite treatment, you may still find a challenge in staying at a healthy weight and require some lifestyle strategies. The best plan for reaching your weight goal is to focus on the things you can control.
First, focus on healthy eating. Consume lean proteins and aim for a serving of poultry, fish, eggs, or beans for every meal. Also add salads, raw veggies, and vegetable soups as veggies are low in calories and help in stabilizing blood sugar. In addition, keep some fruit, nuts, and yogurt stocked up for smart snacking. The Silhouette Clinic offers nutrition counseling services that will definitely help you regulate your food consumption and teach you the best food for your case.
Second, be active. Exercise is a great way to boost metabolism, strengthen bones and muscles, and manage stress. Start with a daily walk or gentle yoga.
Third, have a good night’s sleep and give your body enough time for repair and maintenance, which is essential for weight loss and overall health.
Fourth and most importantly, do not be harsh on yourself, and remember that slow but steady wins the race when it comes to weight loss goals. As per research, thyroid levels can take three to six months to return to normal levels, so a weight loss of one pound per week is achievable and sustainable.
If you feel like you have been doing everything right and are still frustrated by the numbers on the scale, do not hesitate to ask for help.
At the Silhouette Clinic, our weight loss specialists and our registered dietitians will work directly with you to achieve sustained weight loss by creating a plan tailored to your individual needs and medical history. We will ensure you maintain a healthy weight in the long run and feel your best overall.