How to Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism
An under-active thyroid, hypothyroidism, is much more common in women than men, usually causing slower weight loss than normal. While weight gain may not be noticeable at first, fatigue and weight gain are among usual symptoms of the disease. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which communication between the brain and the body gets "confused." What the brain thinks is an adequate intake of food actually can be too much for the metabolism, making weight loss more difficult. While you can lose weight in spite of an under active thyroid, you just have to work harder to do it.
Instructions
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See your doctor to have your thyroid level checked regularly. Make sure that you are being prescribed the proper dose of medication. Without the right amount of hormone, the body's metabolism will be affected.
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Eat smaller, more frequent meals to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Unstable blood sugar can lead to high insulin levels, which can make you feel hungry. Eating healthy is one way to combat the weight gain often associated with low thyroid, as a proper diet aids the processes of digestion and metabolism.
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Include plenty of vegetables, whole grains and protein in your daily diet. Complex carbohydrates are lower glycemic; therefore, they supply your body with energy throughout the day. Limit the amount of pasta, rice and other simple carbohydrates, including white flour and sugar, that you consume. Because hypothyroidism slows down the body's mechanism to metabolize carbohydrates, low-fat, low-carbohydrate meals provide more nutritional benefits overall.
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Exercise regularly to raise your metabolism and burn more calories. Even a routine of low-impact exercise for half an hour each day can help you to speed your metabolism and control your weight better.
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Join a support group. You can get encouragement and advice from others in the same situation. The realization that you are not alone may give you the discipline and emotional support you need to maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
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Tips & Warnings
People who suffer hypothyroidism are at increased risk for other chronic health conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
