How to Treat Hypothyroidism & Weight Loss

Thyroid disorders have different causes, whether the problem is with the thyroid gland, pituitary gland or hypothalamus. In cases where the pituitary gland is affected, not enough hormone is released to stimulate the thyroid. More often, however, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland resulting in the production of too little thyroid hormone. An under-active thyroid, or hypothyroidism, slows the metabolism, which can cause a number of symptoms such as fatigue, constipation and weight gain. The condition cannot be cured, however, treatment can improve symptoms.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. See your doctor about screening for thyroid disease. If tests show that you have an under-active thyroid, your health care provider may prescribe medication to replace low levels of thyroid hormone. In most cases, people who suffer from hypothyroidism must continue to take medication even after their symptoms improve. Treatment of the condition typically requires lifelong thyroid replacement therapy.

2. Take any medication prescribed to treat hypothyroidism according to your doctor's and/or pharmacist's instructions. Your health care provider will order periodic blood tests to make sure that the condition is being controlled. If you continue to experience symptoms such as muscle aches and weakness, joint stiffness and swelling, or unexplained weight gain, your medication may need to be adjusted. A synthetic form of the T4 hormone taken by mouth is a common treatment.

3. Talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise plan to control weight gain associated with hypothyroidism. Regular exercise and eating a low carbohydrate diet work to increase metabolism. Exercises that build muscle mass can help you burn more calories than you consume. Keep in mind that although metabolism plays a role, in the end, it is the level of physical activity and the number of calories you eat and drink that essentially affect your weight.

4. Seek treatment for any related nutrient deficiencies. It may be necessary to take certain dietary supplements, therefore, discuss the possibility with your physician. Although no longer a significant problem here in the U.S., lack of dietary iodine is a primary cause of hypothyroidism in other areas of the world. According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sufficient iodine in the diet is needed for the thyroid to produce adequate levels of thyroid hormones (see Reference 3). Deficiencies in selenium and zinc can also affect thyroid function.

5. Practice daily self-care approaches. Exercise for 30 minutes to one hour at least four or five days each week. Eat nutritiously including adequate amounts of nutrients like the B vitamins, folic acid, selenium and iodine in your diet. Go out in the sun more often, too. Fifteen minutes of sunlight in the early morning and again in the late afternoon hours can help you maintain vitamin D levels throughout the winter months. This is particularly important from October through to April when the daylight hours are shorter. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.

Tips & Warnings

• One complication of hypothyroidism is high cholesterol and related high blood pressure, both of which can lead to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Vegetarians are at greater risk of developing iodine deficiency, which can lead to decreased thyroid function. Although hypothyroidism may contribute to weight gain, it is not the only cause. Some weight gain may be related to the body retaining water, a symptom of hypothyroidism. Typically, no more than 20 to 25 pounds of weight gain is directly attributed to an under active thyroid.

References

• The Facts on Hypothyroidism
• Thyroid Regulation
• National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U.S. Population 1999--2002

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