Hypothyroid and overweight

[Sara29]

Hi, I am having hypothyroid which is caused me to become overweight. Have tried everything from low calorie foods, heavy exercise but weight is hardly reduced. I am feeling desperate, clothes don't fit every few months. Can anyone with similar experience suggest something to lose weight? Thanks Sara

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Sara29

It sounds as though you're not optimally medicated. Can you post your latest results so we can get some clues as to what the problem is. For a full picture we need results and reference ranges for

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies. You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need enhanced access to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018

How much Levothyroxine are you taking ?

If you can add results for tests listed by SeasideSusie then members can advise

[shaws Administrator]

Your post is a common one. Unexplained weight gain is a clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism as our metabolism has become very slow. Do you know the best routine when having a blood test? i.e. it should be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levo and test and take it afterwards. This helps the TSH to be at its highest as doctors are apt to adjust willy/nilly according to the TSH.

everydayhealth.com/hs/healt...

Weight reduces as our dose is increased and TSH is 1 or lower and FT4 and FT3 are towards the upper part of the range. Also all vitamins/minerals have to be optimal.

Always get a copy of your results with the ranges for your own records and you can post if you have a query.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

[G2G2]

Great recommendations above. You can try lowering carbs to lose weight. Low carb is high fat & moderate protein, so you won't be hungry. Tons of sites on the benefits of low carb & countless LC recipe sites. Avoid doing very low carb (keto) with hypothyroidism.

If you're eating excess protein, that causing weight gain.

[Trill]

I am following this closely too, as despite now having normal range TSH, I have the same problem on Levo. Mind you, I foud it impossible to lose weight even before I took Levo.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Trill]

Weight gain is a clinical symptom of hypothyroidism and could have been the first indication of being hypo?

[Riverwitch]

Thanks for all the info above, I have been struggling for quite a few years now. My Tsh is nearly 6 and my t3 is on the line of being under and they are only now testing my t4 and antibodies etc.. It has taken me 10yrs to get a referral to the endocrinologist and to be honest she was absolutely not interested and in fact told me there was nothing she could do and that my levels were normal, but then stated I had been incorrectly medicated for many years! I have now been told that I have a left atrium abnormality as a consequence. My blood pressure has become incredibly low and I understand this is a direct reaction to me system having the wrong t3/4 or not enough.

[Tina_Maria]

Hi Sara, if you are under-medicated for your low thyroid condition, you will find it very difficult to lose weight, no matter what diet you embark on. Too little thyroid hormone means that your metabolism is slowing down and not functioning properly. It could also mean that your lipid levels in the blood (such as cholesterol and triglycerides) are elevated - this is all in connection with low thyroid hormone levels. Your heart problem is very likely also related to being under-medicated for a long time.

Like others have suggested here, get a full thyroid panel and check your vitamins and iron too. A TSH of 6 is far too high, no wonder you are struggling! Once you have sorted your medication and vitamins out, you should see a drastic improvement. Hang in there and don't give up! Take care.