How Hypothyroidism Affects Your Weight
Losing weight can be hard, especially when you have underlying health issues that affect your metabolism. One such condition is hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones to keep the body functioning normally. When you have hypothyroidism, it can be difficult to lose weight and maintain it, despite your best efforts. In this blog post, we will discuss how hypothyroidism affects your body and what you can do to lose weight effectively.
The thyroid gland is located in your neck and is responsible for producing hormones that control various functions in your body, including your metabolism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to a slowdown in your metabolic rate. This means that your body burns fewer calories, making it harder to lose weight.
Hypothyroidism can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and depression. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor who can perform blood tests to check your thyroid levels. If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate your thyroid hormones.
When it comes to losing weight with hypothyroidism, a healthy diet is key. You’ll want to focus on whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats while avoiding sugar and processed foods. Additionally, you may want to go gluten-free, as many people with hypothyroidism have a sensitivity to gluten. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can also help keep your metabolism boosted.
Physical activity is also important for weight loss with hypothyroidism. Focus on low-impact exercises, such as yoga, walking, or swimming, as high-intensity workouts can be challenging for those with hypothyroidism. Gradually increasing your activity level can help boost your metabolism and burn calories.
If you have tried diet and exercise and still struggle to lose weight with hypothyroidism, you may want to consider one of our medical weight-loss programs. These programs are designed to help you lose weight safely and effectively, often through a combination of dietary changes, exercise, and medication. At Infinite Weight Loss, we offer medical weight loss programs specifically for patients with hypothyroidism.
Losing weight with hypothyroidism can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By understanding how hypothyroidism affects your body and making lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise, you can achieve your weight loss goals. If you still struggle, a medical weight loss program may be the right option for you. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before making any drastic changes to your lifestyle or starting a new weight loss program.