Hypothyroidism and Weight Loss
According to the National Institutes of Health, 133.6 million Americans are either obese or overweight. Weight problems often stem from a poor diet or lack of physical activity. However, a disorder called hypothyroidism can be the culprit causing a weight problem for some people.
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Function
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Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not work properly. The thyroid produces hormones and regulates the body's energy and metabolism. According to EndocrineWeb, the thyroid can malfunction in one of two ways: It can be overactive, which is called hyperthyroidism, or underactive, which is called hypothyroidism.
Significance
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If you have hypothyroidism, you may notice weight gain and difficulty losing weight. The Mayo Clinic says that people with hypothyroidism will notice that their energy and metabolism levels will be substantially lower than other people's. Exercise and normal physical activity often are difficult because of the lack of energy and because the body's metabolism isn't working correctly. The two most common groups of people who have hypothyroidism are women and the elderly.
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Effects
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The most noticeable symptoms of hypothyroidism, according to MedicineNet, are chronic fatigue, depression, hair loss, weakness and memory loss. Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed through blood tests.
Considerations
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Not all problems related to difficulties losing weight are associated with hypothyroidism. Other factors include your age, your existing weight, and your activity level. In order to determine whether hypothyroidism is affecting you, see your doctor, who can run tests to properly examine your body, especially before you begin the weight loss process.
Solution
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People with hypothyroidism can take the prescription drug levothyroxine, which the Mayo Clinic says will provide the hormones normally produced by the thyroid. Doctors caution that it can take several weeks to see an improvement, but once on the drug, you will have to take it for the rest of your life in order to keep your thyroid levels in balance.
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