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Written by Dr. Aoife Egan. Dr. Egan is a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the lower neck. The gland produces thyroid hormones which travel in our blood to every tissue in our body. Thyroid hormone helps control our metabolism. This means that is can influence how fast we burn calories. If your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone, this condition is called hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is associated with many symptoms including constipation, frequently feeling cold, fatigue, and muscle aches. The metabolic slowing associated with hypothyroidism can also cause weight gain – mostly due to excess accumulation of salt and water. The weight gain associated with hypothyroidism is generally quite modest and in the region of 5-10lbs. We typically do not see a very large weight gain due to hypothyroidism alone. This is because there are many other hormonal, genetic, dietary, lifestyle and environmental factors that also influence our body weight.
Importantly, the extent of weight gain is related to the severity of the hypothyroidism. Therefore, if your blood tests show that your thyroid hormone levels are severely low, one can expect weight gain at the upper end of the given range, and vice versa. When weight gain is due to hypothyroidism, there are generally other symptoms of hypothyroidism present also.
When hypothyroidism is diagnosed and treated appropriately with thyroid hormone, metabolism returns to normal. Once treated, the weight gain that is due to hypothyroidism is typically lost and the ability to gain and lose weight is the same as in people who do not have thyroid problems. It is important to note that thyroid hormone should not be used as a weight loss treatment in individuals with normal thyroid function.
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Get your blood work done first thing in the morning this way you're assured of a fasting number. I have same problem with low blood sugar and this works best for me. Then after, GO EAT!!!
I'm glad your physician found a medication that sounds like it was a good fit for you, Doris! What other practices to you have to keep yourself healthy at 85?
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1 ReactionActually, I think I am lucky to have inherited good genes; my mother just passed away in 2017 at the age of 102 in May. She would have been 103 in August! Also I have never smoked and drink very little, usually on special occasions. My doctor has me on med. for hypertension and it is controlled, was never very high. He also has me taking a variety of vitamins: B12,Omega 3, D3, Lutein (for Macular Deg.), Biotin, Pepsid. All OTC meds. I don't exercise much, but still live alone and care for my house,etc.. I do have a man who does all the outside work now. I've been a widow for nearly 8 years. This is probably much more than you asked for...sorry!!
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1 ReactionIt sounds like you are doing many proactive things, Doris! I love to hear that your mother was a centenarian.
This short piece about hypothyroidism and weight gain gives me a little hope that I might be able to resolve my issues. I've gained nearly 10 lbs in 6 mos. I'm still not overweight but it is frustrating because I eat well and am extremely active --I cycle over 200 miles a month, plus weight training and walking. My metabolism is about zero and my abdomen is swollen like a bowling ball. Before this I maintained a good weight at 145 for a long time. I'm 57. What may have triggered this? (I have an appointment w an endocrinologist scheduled).
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1 ReactionHi Jennie,
You may also wish to join these related support groups where people are talking about hypothroidism and weight management:
- Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/diabetes-and-endocrine-problems/
- Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/bariatric-surgery-weight-loss/