Enlarged thyroid gland and excess weight. Obesity with hypothyroidism

1. Hypothyroidism diagnosis

The sooner you find out what you have hypothyroidism, the less weight eventually you will score!

Three reasons why you need to protect your health in advance:

01. When you become hypothyroid, or even before - when your TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is elevated above normal, your metabolism may slow down. This means that you eat less, but the excess weight still continues to grow.

02. Because hypothyroidism can also make you tired and unhealthy, you become lazy and sleepy, making it difficult to stay awake and interact effectively with the world around you. Conclusion: metabolism decreases even more.

03. And when we are tired, we sometimes eat - primarily carbohydrates - in an attempt to fight fatigue. And an excess of especially fast carbohydrates in the diet again leads to weight gain.

Advice. Get diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Consult an experienced physician.

2. Physical activity

For many thyroid patients, calorie restriction is simply not enough to cause weight loss. This is why popular "diet plans" that don't require exercise may not work.

To rev up your metabolism, or make it more efficient, the first thing you need to do is exercise because it helps burn calories and fat, which in turn lowers insulin levels, increases resting metabolism, and helps combat hormone imbalances. : leptin, insulin and growth hormone.

However, to lose weight, you should do more exercise than recommended. According to experts, healthy people of normal weight need 60 minutes of physical activity a day to maintain normal shape and prevent excess weight gain.

At the same time, half of us don't get even 30 minutes of physical activity a day, and only one in four is actually active for 30 minutes or more. Most people are bothered by sedentary work.

Advice. Get up and start moving more!

3. Misconceptions about hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism does not equal weight loss. In fact, the percentage of people with hyperthyroidism increases on the contrary weight. Why this happens is not entirely clear. Perhaps hunger is the cause of excess calorie consumption. Or damage to the endocrine system may be caused by poor digestion, insulin resistance, or problems with the hormone adrenaline.

Also, weight gain with hyperthyroidism can be caused by medications taken to treat the thyroid gland.

Advice. Learn the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

4. Hidden reasons for weight gain “pills”

Some drugs intended to treat thyroid gland, can cause weight gain:

For example...

Antithyroid drugs for the treatment of dysthyroidism and hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis.

Beta blockers (often given to treat hyperthyroidism).

Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, prednisolone).

Estrogen and progesterone independently of each other, or together in one “pill”.

Some antidepressants, especially Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

Mood-stabilizing and anticonvulsant medications, such as those used for bipolar disorder, including lithium, valproate (Depakote), and carbamazepine (Tegretol).

Advice. If you are taking one of these medications and are gaining weight, talk to your doctor about your concerns and explore possible alternatives.

5. Radioiodine therapy (RIT)

The claims of doctors who say that they can somehow cure hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with radioiodine therapy are not true.

The truth is that most patients experience hypothyroidism complications after RHT, and many gain weight. Some studies have shown that more than doubling, to as many as 85% of patients, gained weight after RRT, and with this, there is a dramatic increase in weight among patients with hyperthyroidism who had RRT therapy.

Advice. Talk to your doctor about other options because radioactive iodine is not the only treatment for hyperthyroidism.

6. What physical activity is better to choose?

If you only have the energy and time for one type of exercise, which one is best? To increase strength and muscle mass or aerobic exercise? Ideally, you should do both.

If you don't have enough time, choose strength training. Why is strength training better?

The fact is, when you build muscle, you give your body the opportunity to burn more calories, even when you're not working out. A pound of fat only burns about 13-22 calories each day, while a pound of muscle can burn up to 130 calories per day. Gaining muscle means burning more calories over a period of time.

07. Water and fiber

Are you drinking enough water? Water is very good at speeding up your metabolism. It can also help reduce appetite, eliminate swelling in the body, help with bloating, and also improve digestion.

How much fiber are you getting?

Getting the right amount of fiber is one of the main rules for people with thyroid disease if you want to lose weight. Fiber is beneficial for people with hypothyroidism who are trying to lose weight, and can be obtained through food or as a dietary supplement.

Advice. Drink enough water. Eat foods high in fiber.

Hello, dear readers! If you have gained weight, this may be due to overeating, especially in the cold season, or a reluctance to go to the gym. If diets don't help, the thyroid gland may be the cause. How are excess weight and the thyroid gland related, its role in metabolism and what disease causes weight gain?

Your endocrine system is a group of glands in the body that secrete hormones that regulate processes such as metabolism, development, growth and reproduction.

The thyroid gland is the largest gland. It is located in the front of the neck, slightly lower than the Adam's apple in men, and is shaped like a butterfly. During a medical examination, when the doctor places his hand on the neck and asks you to swallow, he does this to palpate the thyroid gland.

Does the thyroid gland affect weight? The hormones it produces affect metabolism, the process by which your body digests food and turns it into energy.

If it doesn't work well, you will burn fewer calories, and as a result, excess calories will be deposited in the body. You will feel constantly tired, so less energy enters your body. Even if you force yourself to get up and do a few exercises, you will burn fewer calories than usual, which will cause you to gain double the amount of weight.

This case is called hypothyroidism, when thyroid hormones are produced less than normal. On the other hand, when the gland is too active, it is called thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism.

What are the causes of hypothyroidism?

1. Iodine deficiency in the body - every fifth resident of Russia has thyroid disease due to iodine deficiency. The reason is that our soil and water contain this element in small quantities. If we need 150 mcg per day, we get 2-4 times less;
2. Surgical interventions on the thyroid gland;
3. Autoimmune diseases.

The signs of hypothyroidism are often similar to other diseases and develop slowly, so you may not notice it for many years. You should definitely consult a doctor for examination if you have the following symptoms:

• skin and hair become dry;
• hair began to fall out;
• low body temperature;
• bradycardia;
• gastroenterological problems - constipation, cholelithiasis;
• depressive mental states.

Studying the details

Hypothyroidism is not necessarily the cause of excess weight. Knowing some facts will help you most successfully create a training and nutrition plan:

1. Most people gain weight due to excess water and salt in the body. By changing your eating habits, you can get rid of unnecessary pounds.
2. Hypothyroidism rarely leads to significant weight gain. If you have gained more than 2-5 kilograms, then the reason is most likely due to overeating and a sedentary lifestyle.
3. According to new research from endocrinologists, hypothyroidism is associated with low insulin sensitivity, which increases the risk of developing diabetes and being overweight.

Diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism

The only way to find out if you have this condition, which may have caused you to gain weight, is to visit your doctor. First you need to understand the reason for the underproduction of hormones. Therefore, a screening study is first carried out (analysis of the levels of the hormones TSH, T3 and T4). If this is not enough, an ultrasound is prescribed. The result could be:

• diffuse goiter (enlarged gland due to iodine deficiency) - then iodine preparations are prescribed and hormone levels return to normal;
• nodular goiter - it is necessary to puncture the nodes to determine their cellular composition.

Treatment for hypothyroidism involves hormone replacement therapy. If you choose it correctly, you will be able to lead a normal life.

By the way, weight often increases after removal of the thyroid gland. With significant weight gain (10 kg or more), the dose of thyroxine must also be changed.

If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, pregnancy problems, myxedema, and cretinism.

What should you do to lose weight if you have hypothyroidism?

If your weight is stubbornly increasing, the first thing to do is talk to an endocrinologist. If your TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) level is slightly higher than normal, it will still affect your metabolism. For these women, supplemental intake of selenium, a thyroid vitamin, balances the body's metabolism, and this. Depending on your diagnosis, you may not need medications for hypothyroidism.

So, now you know what effect thyroid hormones have on weight. If the weight is difficult to “lose”, check whether everything is normal with them, and if necessary, undergo the necessary treatment. Don’t chase fashionable diets that promise quick and mind-blowing results.

Share this article with your friends and leave your comments. I wish you health and a slim figure!

All the best!

Always yours, Anna Tikhomirova

The thyroid gland is a regulator of all metabolic processes in the body. The hormones T3 and T4 it produces play a critical role in determining metabolic rate, that is, the conversion of consumed calories into energy at rest. If the level of these hormones is normal, the body works smoothly, but if their levels deviate from the average in one direction or another, disruptions occur in the functioning of the heart, digestive, circulatory and nervous systems of the body.

Also, one of the most important manifestations of hormonal imbalance is weight problems. Depending on which direction the thyroid hormone levels have deviated, there may be either a problem of excess weight, which cannot be lost with the help of the most stringent diets and physical activity, or a sharp lack of kilograms, which even the most high-calorie diet cannot compensate for. Thus, we can say with confidence that the quality of the thyroid gland affects a person’s weight.

Hypothyroidism and its manifestations

Diseases of the thyroid gland and the resulting hormonal imbalances are currently one of the most common medical problems. However, most often it is not diagnosed immediately. Its manifestations are often considered as symptoms of various, unrelated diseases, which seriously complicates treatment, because the true cause remains unattended.

If the thyroid gland does not cope with the production of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in the required volume, a deficiency of these hormones in the blood occurs. We are talking about the development of hypothyroidism, which leaves a negative imprint on the functioning of the entire human body.

Metabolism is disrupted and, above all, this concerns the breakdown of fats entering the body. Calories received from food are no longer processed and consumed. Instead, they accumulate in the body, manifesting themselves in the form of extra pounds and contributing to the gradual development of obesity. For the same reason, the body retains excess cholesterol, which can cause atherosclerosis. Metabolic disorders are also expressed in the form of weakness, numbness of the limbs, muscle cramps, chilliness, etc.

Other symptoms of T3 and T4 deficiency in the body are:

• decreased concentration and memory;
• sleep disturbances in the form of insomnia at night and drowsiness during the day;
• change in oval shape and complexion;
• the appearance of swelling under the eyes;
• dry skin, brittle hair and nails;
• menstrual irregularities;
• decreased sexual desire;
• infertility, etc.

Thus, it is obvious that disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland and obesity are clearly interrelated phenomena. Therefore, if you experience symptoms that indicate the possibility of hypothyroidism, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible and get tested for hormones.

How to deal with excess weight with hypothyroidism?

If the results of blood tests confirm a hormone deficiency and, accordingly, a cause-and-effect relationship between the functioning of the thyroid gland and excess weight, the fight against accumulated kilograms should begin with normalizing hormonal levels. We are talking about mandatory replacement therapy, designed to compensate for their deficiency in the human body with the help of synthetic analogues of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Most often, such therapy is prescribed for life with mandatory periodic monitoring of hormone levels in the blood. Even if short-term use of drugs has given a positive result and your health has improved, you should not stop the course without a doctor’s prescription.

Since in most cases the cause of thyroid dysfunction is iodine deficiency, you should review your diet and introduce foods rich in this microelement (seafood, fatty fish, seaweed, etc.). But legumes, such as peanuts and soybeans, are best avoided altogether, as they contain substances that suppress the production of T3 and T4.

But eliminating hormonal imbalance is not the only measure that needs to be taken to solve the problem of excess weight due to hypothyroidism. In this case, the approach must be comprehensive. It is important to adhere to a properly selected diet that takes into account all the characteristics of the human body and its needs for vitamins and microelements necessary for the full functioning of the thyroid gland. And it is better if it is developed by a qualified nutritionist.

An equally important point is mandatory physical activity in the form of independent gymnastics or exercises on machines under the supervision of a trainer.

Thus, understanding the obvious connection between adequate functioning of the thyroid gland and maintaining a normal weight, people suffering from extra pounds should not exhaust the body with strict diets and sports exercises that do not bring results, but, first of all, check their hormonal levels. And if suspicions of hypothyroidism are confirmed, do everything necessary to eliminate the root cause of your problems.

Weight loss and hormones are an integral part of each other. Many people will now think, “What about nutrition and training? They are the main driving force in the fight against excess weight!” That's right, but both nutrition and training are also closely related to hormones. Hormones are part of a large system that lives inside us, and which affects absolutely ALL processes that occur in our body. That’s why it’s time to study your body from the inside in more detail! I am sure you are already ready to accept such information. Today we will learn all about hormones that affect weight, let's understand the processes that occur in our body when we consume certain foods, exercise or sleep.

Thyroid hormones and TSH

TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is the main regulator of the thyroid gland and affects the synthesis of its main hormones - T3 and T4.

T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine)– these are the most powerful growth hormones, the main function of which is the formation of energy in the human body, as well as the regulation of protein-fat metabolism.

TSH together with T3 and T4 - hormones that affect weight, by enhancing the process of breaking down fats into fatty acids, which naturally has a beneficial effect on the process of losing weight. These three hormones are closely interrelated, for example, when the level of T3 and T4 decreases, the pituitary gland secretes more TSH hormone, and vice versa, when the level of T3 and T4 is higher than normal, the production of the TSH hormone decreases. Any deviations from the norm most directly affect the metabolic rate and, as a result, the process of losing excess weight.

Hypothyroidism is a condition of the body when there is insufficient production of thyroid hormones (thyroxine, triiodothyronine, calcitonin). During hypothyroidism, the following symptoms are observed:

- decrease in basal metabolism;

- excess weight, which is difficult to get rid of;

- menstrual irregularities in women;

- fatigue, weakness, insomnia;

- dullness of facial skin, hair loss and brittle nails;

- loss of appetite;

- a feeling of chilliness and chills appears even in a warm room;

- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (constipation).

Hypothyroidism is more typical for women; women are more susceptible to this disease than men.

So, now the most important question: does low levels of the hormones T3 and T4 affect weight? Scientists from all over the world say that low levels of thyroid hormones (BUT! within the average values) do not directly affect WEIGHT GAIN. This means that hypothyroidism does not contribute to the accumulation of new kilograms, it only complicates the process of getting rid of them. It turns out that people suffering from hypothyroidism find it difficult to LOSE WEIGHT, but they gain weight in the same way as ordinary people who do not have problems with the thyroid gland.

 IMPORTANT!

If T3 and T4 levels are critically low, then sudden weight gain may be associated with hypothyroidism.

If we give an example of numbers, then on average, in a week of active physical exercise and proper nutrition, a girl weighing 60 kg can lose 1 kg of fat, but if a girl has hypothyroidism, then in order to burn 1 kg of fat, she may need 3-4 weeks.

Hyperthyroidism — This is the opposite condition of the body when there is excessive production of thyroid hormones, resulting in the following symptoms:

- increased metabolism;

- increase in temperature;

- weight loss;

— increased mental and motor activity;

- sleep disturbance;

- excessive excitability and nervousness;

- increased appetite;

- systemic disorders in all body systems.

A person with hyperthyroidism is characterized by low body weight, despite his brutal appetite. Although at the early stage of this disease the reverse process is also possible, when a person recovers sharply, and this happens precisely because of an increase in food consumption against the background of a metabolism that has not yet formed.

How do thyroid hormones behave during malnutrition?

All hormones that affect weight, and thyroid hormones are no exception, are very sensitive to your diet. Those who like to diet and limit themselves to 1000 calories a day should understand that by doing this they are making a very big mistake, which will subsequently lead them to gain excess weight. This happens according to this scheme:

1. The thyroid gland produces much less T3 hormone, which has a much greater effect on metabolic rate and provides more energy to cells than its cousin T4 hormone.
2. Since less energy is supplied to the cells, the body slows down the metabolism in order to save it (energy). Thus, the body begins to function in an “economical” mode due to a lack of nutrients.
3. The body perceives its new state as extremely dangerous, so it begins to store fatty tissue from everywhere, even from those unfortunate 1000 calories that you consume every day. It turns out that there is a paradox: you should lose weight because you eat little, but the opposite happens - you gain weight, since calories are burned very slowly, and fat reserves are not burned, but only accumulate.

So, friends, forget about diets once and for all! I have already spoken about this several times and will say it again and again. By going on diets and torturing yourself with prohibitions, you will not only become nervous, irritable and angry at the whole world, but you also risk developing a hormonal imbalance, which will only become a hindrance in your weight loss efforts.

Insulin

Insulin is rightfully the main hormone influencing a person's weight. You’ve most likely already heard about insulin several times; now all fitness publics and nutrition groups write about this hormone, but, as they say, “repetition is the mother of learning,” so let’s talk about it one more time.

Insulin is produced in the blood in response to rising sugar levels. Its main function is to normalize this level by transporting glucose into the cells, thereby supplying the cells with energy. When carbohydrate metabolism in the body is in order, and the amount of carbohydrates consumed is within normal limits, then a small part of glucose goes to the immediate needs of the body, and a large part is stored in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen. Thus, insulin “places” all the glucose where it is needed, and nothing is stored anywhere in reserve.

But this is not always what happens. Let's consider the option when an excessive increase in blood sugar radically changes this idyll.

We already know that they greatly increase the level of glucose in the blood, thereby causing a sharp release of insulin. If you have eaten too much sweets, buns or even healthy fruits, then the cells immediately “refuse” to accept the excess glucose that insulin so kindly offers them. Cells are living structures that take in exactly as much energy and nutrients as they need at the moment. It turns out that one limit has already been reached, then insulin tries to “drag” excess glucose into the liver, but even here the glycogen depot is already filled, then there is only one way out - to transport all the excess glucose into adipose tissue, which is always happy to have such “guests”. This is how fat deposition and excess weight gain occur. If our cells and liver know when to say “no”, then the fat depot always and in any quantity accepts excess glucose, which subsequently turns into fat.

But this is not the worst thing.

Insulin is a hormone that not only affects weight, but also causes a disease such as diabetes. How does this happen?

If the process of receiving simple carbohydrates in large quantities is regular and familiar to a person, then over time the cells lose sensitivity to insulin, and they stop “seeing” it (Fig. 1). This leads to the fact that the pancreas begins to produce even more insulin, which sends all the glucose to the fat depot, and at the same time you experience even greater hunger, since even though you ate half a kilo of ice cream, the cells still did not receive the necessary energy...

A vicious circle emerges: you eat sweets in large quantities - your cells become resistant (unresponsive) to insulin - you feel hungry and eat even more sweets, and the consequence of all this is carbohydrate dependence and prediabetes. If you don’t come to your senses in time, then all sweet tooth lovers will face the same fate - type 2 diabetes. And it all started with harmless cookies for tea 5 times a day...

Foods that greatly increase blood sugar levels:

1. Sugar-containing products (chocolate, jam, waffles, syrups, etc.)
2. Flour and baked goods made from flour (ANY!)
3. White polished
4. Potato

These foods are high in blood glucose levels, causing your blood glucose levels to rise very high after eating them, but this does not mean that you should NEVER eat potatoes, dried fruit or white rice. There is no message here to give up these foods forever, you just need to monitor your diet and be aware of WHAT you eat, WHEN and in WHAT QUANTITIES.

Somatotropin

Somatotropin or, as it is also called, growth hormone is the main fat-burning hormone in our body, and of course, this hormone affects our weight.

Secretion of somatropin occurs periodically throughout the day, but the highest peaks occur at night from approximately 12 to 3 am and in the post-exercise period.

It is during these periods that growth hormone reaches its peak values, which can increase 20 and even 40 times!!! Therefore, we develop the habit of going to bed no later than 12 o’clock at night and doing fitness 2-3 times a week.

Growth hormone is an insulin antagonist, that is, the lower the level of insulin (and therefore blood sugar), the higher the level of growth hormone. Somatotropic hormone reduces the ability of muscle cells to feed on glucose energy, causes them to use fatty acid energy instead. Its action is aimed at improving the enzyme lipase, the high level of which is responsible for the effective breakdown and oxidation of fat cells (adipocytes). This process is typical when you feel a slight feeling of hunger and during weight training. It is for this reason that you cannot eat heavily right before and after training, otherwise the hormone insulin will come into effect, thereby preventing growth hormone from being synthesized and performing its function as a lipolytic hormone.

In addition to its fat-burning properties, growth hormone takes part in the following processes in our body:

• Regulates the synthesis of protein and collagen, thereby improving skin tone, hair and nails;

• Inhibits catabolic processes in muscles;

• Increases the height of people up to 25 years of age;

• Strengthens joints, ligaments and bones;

• Increases glycogen reserves in the liver;

• Participates in the regeneration of new tissues and wound healing;

• Reduces bad cholesterol levels.

As you can see, growth hormone is a unique hormone that is responsible for many processes in our body, but its active life cycle is not always smooth throughout our lives. With age, the level of growth hormone falls, along with it the body's ability to burn subcutaneous fat decreases, this is one of the reasons why older people need to carefully monitor their diet so as not to gain excess weight. In the picture you can see that it is at a young age that the concentration of somatropin is the highest (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2 Secretion of growth hormone with age

But this does not mean that a person after 25 years old cannot have a beautiful, toned body, not at all, it’s just that the older we get, the more effort we have to spend in order to look the way we looked at 25. But this is not a reason to be upset , since there is good news: those who were actively involved in sports at a young age, and therefore regularly stimulated the synthesis of their growth hormone, the easier it will be to maintain their shape in old age. Just like that.

Well, now you know what hormones affect weight, and what needs to be done so that they become our allies in the fight against excess weight, and not enemies, since they make really fierce enemies. A lot depends on our actions, eating habits and lifestyle. Hormones are not able to destroy your dream of a slim and athletic body if you have previously created favorable conditions for their natural and normal functioning.

Today we haven't covered everything hormones that affect our weight, there are many more of them, and in the next article I will tell you about other hormones that also have both direct and indirect effects on our weight, so don’t miss the next part.

Sincerely yours, Janelia Skripnik!

Often, problems with the thyroid gland and excess body weight have a direct relationship. Having found out whether there are malfunctions in the functioning of the thyroid gland, you can decide on a strategy for treating excess weight, selecting a special diet and a set of physical activities. The main thing is to understand: is the endocrine system to blame for excess obesity or does the problem lie elsewhere?

Thyroid gland and excess weight

Very often, patients suffering from obesity tend to attribute their troubles to improper metabolism, hormonal imbalance and a general problem in the endocrine system, in particular, pathology of the thyroid gland. Indeed, some diseases of this organ can lead to deviations in body weight, both upward and downward. But obesity, which is associated with problems in the endocrine system, is extremely rare. In most cases of excess weight, excessive systematic overeating and decreased physical activity are to blame.

Before you go on all kinds of diets for weight loss, you need to make sure that the cause is not endocrine obesity.

It is necessary to undergo examination. First of all, eliminate malfunctions of the thyroid gland. Thyroid diseases are divided into the following types:

Why is excess weight associated with the thyroid gland in the first place? This organ is designed to regulate metabolism, and the hormones it secretes accelerate metabolic processes. The thyroid gland, receiving energy from various resources, is responsible for fat breakdown and the absorption of protein and carbohydrates. This energy supplies all cells of our body.

Carbohydrates are the main fuel for the body's functioning. When there is a shortage of them, the body begins to consume fat. This is the principle of all weight loss diets. Without the consumption of fast carbohydrates, the body feeds on fats, and only then protein from the muscles is used.

We can conclude that with certain thyroid diseases, a different picture is observed in terms of body weight. The weight can also come off easily. And it may not always be redundant.

Relationship

When thyroid hormones are released excessively, for example, with diffuse toxic goiter, metabolism accelerates, the body works and uses all resources. A person can eat a lot, but he will not be able to gain weight.

When thyroid function decreases, for example, with the development of hypothyroidism, very little hormones are released in the thyroid gland. They do not ensure normal metabolism, therefore, the human body very quickly becomes filled with fat, in addition, water metabolism in the body is disrupted, which also leads to various edemas.

During normal functioning of the organ, basal metabolism and energy consumption are optimally coordinated. There is no relationship between the thyroid gland and excess weight. Obesity may be caused by another gland not functioning properly, or it may be due to lack of physical activity and overeating.

When there is a problem with weight, meaning its rapid loss or gain, it is necessary to normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland. With normal hormone levels, problems with excess body weight will disappear. Things are more complicated with underweight, since it is necessary to establish the disease causing thyrotoxicosis.

With reduced secretion, treatment is carried out with a synthetic analogue of thyroid hormone. It is prescribed by an endocrinologist. Dose selection is carried out strictly individually, even if hypothyroidism is not very pronounced. When the dosage is selected by a specialist, it is impossible to gain weight from the artificial hormone.

Losing weight with thyroid diseases

Losing weight if you have a diseased thyroid gland is a difficult task; you need to be patient and strictly follow the doctor’s instructions. The complex includes regular physical activity, adherence to a daily routine and severe dietary restrictions.

Hypothyroidism at an early stage is very difficult to determine, since hormonal imbalance is not yet so easy to identify. However, at this stage, metabolic processes are already slowing down and excess weight accumulates more actively.

This disease is characterized by a feeling of fatigue, apathy, and there is no strength to play sports, which entails inhibition of metabolism. In such a situation, the body understands that it is tired and needs to replenish energy reserves, and food with a high concentration of carbohydrates is best suited. It is important to monitor ailments in order to detect the problem as early as possible.

Thyroid gland and weight loss: how to avoid gaining weight due to medications? The following medications that relieve symptoms of the disease can lead to weight gain:

• antidepressants;
• medications with progesterone and estrogen;
• drugs with steroids;
• medications for hyperthyroidism;
• PTU drugs.

When dealing with the prescribed treatment, it is imperative to thoroughly study the side effects of pharmacology.

Sometimes doctors may suggest alternative treatments.

Radioactive iodine and exercise

A large number of patients after such therapy experience hypothyroidism and, accordingly, weight gain. This is a side effect of the treatment. More than half of the patients here face the problem of obesity. This type of therapy is the best option in treating serious thyroid problems. However, it is used in such difficult cases when the issue of weight loss and beauty is not even discussed.

How to lose weight if you have thyroid disease through exercise and how intense should the exercise be? Unfortunately, for people with functional endocrine system disorders, simply restricting incoming calories will not be enough. Therefore, it is not enough to follow a diet; there should be an active inclusion of physical education in the daily routine.

Sport stimulates fat burning, lowers blood glucose levels, improves metabolism and normalizes growth hormones, insulin and leptin. To lose weight with hypothyroidism, doctors recommend exercising every day for an hour at first.

Even if the patient has an unhealthy thyroid gland, obesity can be overcome. If you lack strength, experts recommend performing at least one type of exercise. It would be better if it was a strength complex. It helps build muscle, then it will be easier for the body to burn fat reserves.

Diet food

Any diet needs to be selected individually, but, in general, the healthier the food consumed, the healthier the body and its individual elements.

People suffering from decreased thyroid function should consume zinc, selenium and iodine. Zinc and selenium prevent a decrease in the T3 hormone. Iodine helps maintain normal hormones T3 and T4. These substances can be obtained from seafood, shellfish, iodized salt, seaweed and legumes.

A weak response to secreted insulin is associated with a decrease in thyroid function. You need to control every meal and snack. Give preference to protein foods and limit fats and carbohydrates. Controlling blood glucose levels helps you use body fat more efficiently. In this way, it is possible to create conditions for stable weight loss.

The body of those losing weight needs more energy to digest protein foods than to process carbohydrates and fat. Eating protein can significantly speed up your metabolism. Additionally, a diet containing fish, lean meats, legumes and egg whites will prevent excessive hair loss. This is one of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism.

If a patient has a diseased thyroid gland and weight loss is not going so quickly, you should think about the correct fluid intake.

Water “accelerates” metabolism and slightly suppresses appetite. It also promotes better digestion. There is an opinion that you need to drink 8 glasses of clean water daily, this is about 1500 grams. Doctors advise consuming 33 grams of fluid for every kilogram of body weight. That is, a person weighing 100 kg will need to drink 3.3 liters of clean water daily.

Fiber also promotes weight loss. It gives you a long-lasting feeling of fullness thanks to tough fibers that are not easy to digest. Doctors recommend introducing apples, legumes, whole grains, greens, flaxseed and nuts into your daily diet.

According to doctors' recommendations, a thyroid diet should contain fewer foods with a high glycemic index. This food should be limited or excluded from the diet. This may include: baked goods, sugar-containing products, products with a high amount of starch, flour products. The calorie content of the daily menu should be about 1600 kcal.

Hypothyroidism is not common. It affects 2% of women and 0.2% of men. However, any suspicion of dysfunction must be confirmed or refuted by a visit to an endocrinologist. Extra pounds may be just the tip of the iceberg. In this case, you should never refuse hormone replacement therapy. An even greater misconception would be a complete or partial refusal of nutrition.

The result of such independent actions can be even greater weight gain due to a slower metabolism. If you have thyroid dysfunction, it is important to stick to your diet. A healthy person on proper nutrition can lose 1 kg per week; those with hypothyroidism will need 3 weeks to lose the same kilogram.

Doctors emphasize that playing sports for such a disease is very important. A big mistake would be the use of hormonal drugs that stimulate metabolism. Firstly, you can feel a deterioration in your health in the form of tremor, tachycardia, and increased excitability. Secondly, prolonged use of such pharmacological agents leads to pathologies. Instead of losing weight, you can end up in a hospital bed.

Taking good care of your health, timely compliance with medical recommendations, in combination with sports and diet, will lead to a noticeable reduction in body weight and help improve your quality of life.