| Hypothyroidism and weight gain go hand in hand | | | | (sometimes called "sluggish thyroid"). |
| because when thyroid function is low, metabolism | | | | For several reasons, women are especially prone to |
| slows down as well. While not all people with | | | | hypothyroidism and weight gain, though the condition |
| hypothyroidism gain weight, it is very often one of the | | | | does exist in men as well. Women are more likely to |
| symptoms of the condition. Thyroid hormones not only | | | | diet, and when they do, they are more likely to "feast |
| play a significant role in metabolism, which in turn | | | | and then fast" too often. This yo-yo pattern of dieting |
| affects weight, but insufficient thyroid function can | | | | interferes with metabolism, especially during |
| result in fluid retention, further contributing to weight | | | | perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause |
| gain. Another reason why hypothyroidism and weight | | | | that are characterized by hormonal fluctuations. |
| gain are connected is that the condition usually causes | | | | Even women with regular menstrual cycles are |
| fatigue and lethargy, which can result in a decrease in | | | | subject to natural hormonal fluctuations that contribute |
| activity that contributes to weight gain. | | | | to the challenge of losing weight with hypothyroidism. |
| Further, losing weight with hypothyroidism can be | | | | Further, women tend to internalize stress more than |
| especially challenging if not done correctly because | | | | men, which can affect the function of both the adrenal |
| excessive dieting can lower metabolism even further. It | | | | gland and the thyroid gland. |
| is very important, therefore, to follow a healthy weight | | | | The good news is that, even with the inherent |
| loss regimen if you are trying to lose weight with | | | | challenges of losing weight with hypothyroidism, there |
| hypothyroidism. | | | | are a number of things that can be done about |
| A diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made using a simple | | | | hypothyroidism and weight gain. |
| blood test for thyroid hormones. If levels of the | | | | How to Boost Your Metabolism? |
| hormone T4 are low or if levels of thyroid stimulating | | | | Nutritional supplements, regular vigorous exercise and, |
| hormone (TSH) are high, the test is considered positive | | | | a healthy eating plan can help regulate metabolism so |
| for hypothyroidism. However, even when blood levels | | | | that it will be easier to lose weight. For instance, since |
| of thyroid hormones fall within normal range, some | | | | eating actually stimulates metabolism, people who |
| practitioners still attribute symptoms like fatigue and | | | | want to lose weight with hypothyroidism may benefit |
| weight gain to thyroid function, believing the symptoms | | | | from eating six small meals at regular intervals |
| may be caused by sub-clinical hypothyroidism | | | | throughout the day. |