GP today "just eat less and exercise more". Stone and a half since December.

[Brubru]

Really controlled diet, eggs for breakfast, nuts during the day, fish and vegetables other meals. Gluten free. Not much fruit, lots of vegetables. This weight fluctuation is driving me crazy. On top of the other symptoms.

[Aurealis]

I don't think it's ever about eating less it's about eating different. Weightwatchers works -and it alerts you to the things to avoid - but you have to feel well enough to follow it !

[Brubru in reply to Aurealis]

Thank you for the reply. I tried weight watchers and slim world. Upsets me at the moment to work so hard and nothing.

[Aurealis in reply to Brubru]

Don't think I'm being flippant, but the other thing I do sometimes is just eat everything I want in one day - not binging in an overeating way, just cake and chocolate etc. my theory is that the metabolism is confused by so many calories in one go, and no weight goes on, but it's great fun occasionally! And even if I do gain weight, I figure I deserved it.. Provides a pleasant break from dieting.

[faith63]

When your metabolism is low, you can live on water and gain weight. If you can't lose without practically starving yourself or can;t lose, period, then your meds are not right.

[Brubru in reply to faith63]

That is it faith! I went through a stressful time and wasn't able to eat still weight didn't shift. I'm self medicating now on nature throid. Just started. Let's see how it goes.

[Natalie286]

I totally feel you! It's so frustrating! It's a real bug bear of mine and drives me crazy. I have put on over a stone since my diagnosis which I Cannot loose!!! Some might say only X11 stone, that's nothing! But here's what I have to do.......I exercise for 2 hours daily (6 days a week! No exceptions!) and Am Grain free, Gluten free,

Dairy free , Sugar free, Alcohol free, Legume free, No coffee , No red meat, no nightshades, no eggs or nuts and only drink Green tea and Water and only really live on Chicken and vegetables x3 times a day plus some hemp protein! Limit fruit to X1 weekly and yes I've managed to keep my gain to only a stone but again I cannot loose it! Doctor says I don't have a weight problem but I should weigh about 6 stone not 9.7! (I'm also just a little over 5ft so it's alit on my frame) I cannot eat any type of sugar / natural or not as I gain x2/3 lbs overnight 🙆 my tsh is now perfect!"????? I don't get it! Sorry I can't be of any help but wanted you to know you're not alone.😯

[Brubru in reply to Natalie286]

Natalie thanks for the support! That's me. Hit the gym 6times a week plus walk for work and still all here. I'm the other way round 5'10 so can loose or gain 2stone and people think I'm lying. Yesterday gp just believed me after putting me on the scale

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Natalie286]

How's your free T3? Too much exercise can depress your free T3 which makes you fatter.

[Natalie286 in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Argh!!!! U know what I wish I knew! My ends and docs won't test? Only know tsh is now -0.05 as of yesterday and t4 is 14 😬

[faith63 in reply to Natalie286]

You are undermedicated, need tests and maybe even different meds. You can order your own labs and meds..you don't have to settle for this !!!

[Glynisrose]

When will people realise that the 'eat less and exercise more' mantra does not work?

[Brubru in reply to Glynisrose]

So true Glynisrose! I'm trying to eat more of the right things but there's a limit on how much we can eat without being sick. Put alarms to eat each three hours and have a snack before bedtime. Fingers crossed

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Brubru]

I found it worked better to leave about 4.5 hours between meals and 12 hours overnight. However it still took me 20 years to lose the 3.5 stone I put on in 8 weeks! But that was without medication for the first 15 years.

[greygoose in reply to Brubru]

You know, a snack at bedtime isn't always a good idea. You shouldn't really eat after 8 pm on a regular basis because it inhibits the production of melatonin and HGH. As you are already hormonally challanged, that is just adding to it. Low HGH can cause weight gain.

Have you had all your vits and mins tested? Because nutritional deficiencies - which most hypos have - can also cause weight gain. Add that to the hypo, plus the fact that low vits and mins can make you more hypo, and...

How is your FT3? Others have already asked this, because it is very important for weight-loss. Also, given that low T3 means low HGH because you need T3 to produce HGH, and HGH to convert T4 to T3, and you can see you're going round in circles! It's no Wonder people treated in the conventional way (TSH test only and levo only) can't lose weight!

[Brubru in reply to greygoose]

Greygoose thank you for such a comprehensive explanation but yes!!! Seems like we go in circles. I'm trying hard to get into the habit of having a protein shake before bedtime because thought that would be good not to go many hours on an empt stomach. I Was on t3 and started NDT last Friday not sure how it will pan out. I'm taking my vitamins since coming to this site they were all deficient specially ferritin because I do not eat meat. I'm taking note of everything and will make the necessary changes

[greygoose in reply to Brubru]

The stomach needs to be empty some times. Continually working 24/7 is not what it was meant to do. You might very well need that protein shake - as long as there's no soy in it! - but could you not take it earlier?

If you don't eat meat, your B12 is probably low, too. B12 is one important vitamin! So, make sure that's up the top of its range.

[Brubru in reply to greygoose]

Thank you greygoose. I'll check B12 last time was low so I'm eating fish now. Soy!!! Didn't check but probably yes?

[Brubru in reply to greygoose]

Yes! Soy and gluten! I've been "gluten free" for ten days. So no I haven't been lol

[greygoose in reply to Brubru]

Soy is really bad for hypos, it will mean that you aren't absorbing you levo correctly. So, I think that protein shake is out, rather, don't you? lol

Eating fish is good, providing you can absorb the nutrients from it. Perhaps best to get it tested again to make sure you're on the right track.

[lacrandall]

I was able to lose 40 lbs in 6 mos by using the Myfitnesspal app. It really forces you to look at all of your nutrient intake. I did it without exercising due to a hip injury. So there is hope for weight loss inspite of hypothyroidism.

[Brubru in reply to lacrandall]

Congratulations lacrandall!!! Huge achievement. I use the Fitbit band and it has an app food intake sleep patterns, exercise. If anything for the amount of activity I do I need to eat more and I have been making an effort. But it's hard to remember to eat and snack to keep your blood sugar balanced

[lacrandall in reply to Brubru]

I use the Jawbone UP24. Tracks sleep too. Forgot to mention that I drink about 3 - 4 sport bottle sized (approx 20 oz) canteens of water per day. I squeeze half a lime in it 2x a day. Helps rev up the metabolism.

[Marz]

I think it is worth considering Adrenals when suffering with thyroid issues. They are all inter-connected. Adrenal insufficiency can cause weight around the middle of the body. Maybe try to support the adrenals naturally with herbs and vitamins. Good article today on Hypothyroid Mum website....

hypothyroidmom.com/10-signs...

I too struggle with my weight and have done so since menopause - another time of hormonal turbulence

[Brubru in reply to Marz]

Marz funny you mention that. I heard liquorice is good for adrenals and I've been craving it so much. I drink the tea. Eat the sweet and even dream of liquorice! I'm not menopausal yet and id like to get in a good balance before my menopause. With periods and PMS like mine I'm already dreading the menopause. I'm going to read the blog now. Thank you

[Marz in reply to Brubru]

...hope you find the article useful - maybe worth signing up for a Newsletter from the Doc who wrote it. Think I will - I like her style. You will also read about other herbs to take....I'm on the case

[Brubru in reply to Marz]

I found it really interesting. I was just checking now where could I find these herbs. At the same time she suggests so many, we'd be taking them throughout the day! Not sure what id be able to include in my daily routine

[Marz in reply to Brubru]

You do not need to take all of them. I think she does suggest some brands in the article if I remember correctly !

[Brubru in reply to Marz]

Yes. I'll get some of them. So many things we have to consider!

[faith63 in reply to Brubru]

You can take herbs, licorice, vits a..diet, exercise, but if you are not properly medicated, you will not be able to lose. Even if you do my fitness pal, but how long can you maintain that level of activity or a diet, to keep the weight off anyway, if it does help some? Some people with Hashi's do terribly on ndt and actually gain weight, from swelling, while on it. Some people need t3 only, because they don't convert the t4 to t3 well..all happened to me.