How is weight affected by hypothyroidism?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 45-year-old woman who has been struggling with thyroid disease, specifically hypothyroidism, for some time now. Despite medication, and efforts to manage my condition, I have been experiencing weight gain that has been difficult to control. However, I am concerned that sudden weight loss might indicate a shift towards hyperthyroidism. Can you provide insights into how thyroid disease affects weight, and how I can achieve a healthy weight balance while managing my condition?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Since much of the weight gain in hypothyroidism is accumulation in salt and water, when the hypothyroidism is treated one can expect a small (usually less than 10% of body weight) weight loss. As in the treatment with hyperthyroidism, treatment of the abnormal state of hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone results in a return of body weight to what it was before the hypothyroidism developed. Since weight gain may have many causes and develops over a long period of time, it is fairly common to find that there is not a large amount of weight loss after successful treatment of hypothyroidism. Again, if all of the symptoms of hypothyroidism other than weight gain resolve with thyroid hormone treatment, it is unlikely that the weight gain was solely due to the thyroid. Once hypothyroidism has been treated and thyroid hormone levels are in the normal range, the ability to gain or lose weight is the same as in individuals who do not have thyroid problems.I suggest you consume enough nutrients as having an inadequate supply of nutrients can worsen thyroid symptoms because the immune system may be compromised. Three nutrients (selenium, zinc and iodine) support your thyroid function, so ensure your diet plan includes enough selenium and zinc, which can come from nuts, fruits and whole grains.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.