Underactive Thyroid And Losing Weight

An underactive thyroid is not producing the amount of required thyroid hormone for the body. One of the main points of hypothyroidism is excessive weight gain. This is due to the slowing down of the body's metabolism, resulting from an underactive thyroid.

Even with a normal TSH level, and lower-calorie, low-fat diet, and exercise, the pounds may still be piling on in spite of your best efforts. In addition to this, your blood cholesterol could be elevated.

There are three factors involved that make is very hard to lose weight:

1. Changes metabolic set point


2. Brain chemistry alterations related to illness and stress


3. Insulin resistance

Your Metabolic Set Point:

The body puts up a small resistance to gaining weight, by ingesting more calories than you burn. Your body reacts by setting a higher set point for weight. The more you gain the higher the set point goes, and the more weight you gain.

The best way to counteract this dilemma of resistance is to take your time by dieting slowly and increasing your physical activity, which helps to burn calories and lose weight. Losing weight too fast is not a good thing. What you are losing is mostly water.

Brain Chemistry Alterations:

When your brain senses that you need more energy, it releases neuropeptide Y (NPY) that tells your body to eat carbohydrates, resulting in hunger pangs. When this hunger is satisfied, the hypothalamus releases serotonin to notify the body that you've had enough.

This notification system can be changed by several factors that can exist in chronic thyroid disease:

Your metabolism is too slow for the appetite level set by your brain. Thyroid disease slows down the metabolism. What your brain perceives as appropriate food intake levels can then exceed your body's metabolism, creating weight gain.

Stress inhibits how the neurotransmitter system works, resulting in reduced serotonin release. This results in making you eat more even though you may be full.
It is recommended to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least five times a week. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) may also be helpful, but care must be taken as it may interact with prescribed medications you are already taking. Talk with your doctor first before taking any herbal supplements.

Insulin Resistance:

Insulin is a hormone that is produced and secreted by the pancreas. Most everything we eat is made up of carbohydrates which are converted into simple sugars to be used by the cells for energy. The pancreas in turn releases insulin, returning blood sugar levels to within normal range.

Carbohydrates include: pasta, bread, sugar, white flour and cakes. Complex carbohydrates include vegetables and whole grains, or plant-based foods.

Insulin resistance is when the cells are less responsive to insulin. The body must then produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. The insulin may remain in your blood at higher levels, or hyperinsulinemia.
Being insulin resistant and eating carbohydrates can make you want more carbohydrates, leading to weight gain.

The best diet I have come across, that will also aid in losing weight, is the Mediterranean diet. It is healthy and makes a whole lot of sense. No matter what your ailment, this is a healthy diet that can be used by just about anyone, including those with an underactive thyroid. Always consult with your health care provider before starting any diet or exercise regimen.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT