How to increase your metabolism?

[SAS_T]

I’m at a loss as to what else I can do to lose weight . I eat less than 1000 calories a day and run 15miles a week and 3 weight sessions but due to undiagnosed hypothyroidism put 4 stone on. How can I lose weight when my metabolism doesn’t seem to work?

[Wired123]

Are you on thyroid meds, that’s the first thing.

However if you were truly hypo I doubt you’d be able to do that much exercise.

[Zazbag in reply to Wired123]

I was able to exercise like that while hypo in the early stages, I had to eat about 2500-3500 cals per day though and I could barely function outside of my workouts.

[Wired123 in reply to Zazbag]

Guess it depends how hypo you are and how much your body has slowed down.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine

When were thyroid and vitamin levels last tested

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Ask GP to test vitamin levels and thyroid antibodies if not been tested yet

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s. Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue to.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/signs-symptom...

Until CORRECTLY medicated, it’s not helpful to over exercise, it uses up active Ft3 faster than you may be taking levothyroxine

Dieting also can badly affect conversion of levothyroxine (Ft4) into active hormone (Ft3)

Add results and ranges if you have any

Or come back with new post once you get full results

[SAS_T in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for this . I am fighting with my Dr who has been very dismissive , I had been feeling terrible for 3 years but she kept just telling me it was menopause. I demanded a full test if everything and she the diagnosed hypothyroidism telling me my score was 9.6 and needed to be between 0.2 and 2. She put me on 25 micro grams of Levothyroxine telling me it would take a year to get the level right and then took my bloods 8 weeks later and told me all good now. I still felt unwell with a swelled throat and painful joints but she told me the levels were good . I demanded a scan and now that shows a lot of inflammation of my thyroid so waiting to see an endocrinologist. I am 3months into my treatment .

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to SAS_T]

Standard starter dose of levothyroxine is 50mcg (unless over 60 years old)

See different GP and get 25mcg dose increase and bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks later

ESSENTIAL to retest as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

When were vitamin levels last tested?

Have you had thyroid antibodies tested

If not.....INSIST antibodies and vitamin levels are tested

ALWAYS Get actual results and ranges on all tests

guidelines on dose levothyroxine by weight

Even if we don’t start on full replacement dose, most people need to increase levothyroxine dose slowly upwards in 25mcg steps (retesting 6-8 weeks after each increase) until on (or near) full replacement dose

NICE guidelines on full replacement dose

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145/...

1.3.6

Consider starting levothyroxine at a dosage of 1.6 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day (rounded to the nearest 25 micrograms) for adults under 65 with primary hypothyroidism and no history of cardiovascular disease.

Also here

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hypo...

gp-update.co.uk/Latest-Upda...

Traditionally we have tended to start patients on a low dose of levothyroxine and titrate it up over a period of months.

RCT evidence suggests that for the majority of patients this is not necessary and may waste resources.

For patients aged >60y or with ischaemic heart disease, start levothyroxine at 25–50μg daily and titrate up every 3 to 6 weeks as tolerated.

For ALL other patients start at full replacement dose. For most this will equate to 1.6 μg/kg/day (approximately 100μg for a 60kg woman and 125μg for a 75kg man).

If you are starting treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism, this article advises starting at a dose close to the full treatment dose on the basis that it is difficult to assess symptom response unless a therapeutic dose has been trialled.

A small Dutch double-blind cross-over study (ArchIntMed 2010;170:1996) demonstrated that night time rather than morning dosing improved TSH suppression and free T4 measurements, but made no difference to subjective wellbeing. It is reasonable to take levothyroxine at night rather than in the morning, especially for individuals who do not eat late at night.

BMJ also clear on dose required

bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m41

bestpractice.bmj.com/topics...

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to SAS_T]

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone 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.

Link re access

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

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.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

Strongly recommend getting FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done BEFORE seeing any thyroid specialist endocrinologist

Come back with new post once you get results

Email Dionne at Thyroid UK for list of recommend thyroid specialist endocrinologists...NHS and Private

[e-mail]

The aim of levothyroxine is to increase dose upwards until TSH is under 2 ......

Ft4 should be in top third of range and Ft3 at least half way through range (regardless of how low TSH is)

...important to have optimal vitamin levels too as this helps reduce symptoms and improve how levothyroxine works

Many people will have TSH well under one when adequately treated

[Wired123 in reply to SAS_T]

Post your blood results so we can advise, 25mcg is too low a dose in all likelihood

[Miffie in reply to SAS_T]

I think you will be better off seeing a different GP 25mcg is tiny. I cannot understand why you have not had an increase to 50mcg. I rather suspect you will have a lengthy wait for an endo. 3 months is a remarkably short time since diagnosis for an endo to take you on. I don’t mean to worry you but you will be much better off seeing someone else rather than wait for a referral. In the meantime why not get your results and post on here for further advise from the most knowledgeable members.

[Fruitandnutcase]

You need to get a hold of all your blood test results and like the others say if you are in the U.K. you are legally entitled to them.I’ve found the best way to lose weight is to follow a low carb, high fat diet - well is it low ish carb, I get carbs from non grain sources and high ish fat in that i don’t live fat on meat etc but I’m not scared of it. I don’t buy any low fat product. I don’t eat foods that contain sugar substitutes either.

Look at the DietDoctor website or the LCHF link on Healthunlocked.

[Lalatoot]

You need calories for your body to convert t4 to the active t3. By cutting calories you will be reducing your body's ability to convert t4 to t3. You are then exercising which will use up the Ft3. The low Ft3 will mean you retain fluid and gain weight.

[Hypopotamus in reply to Lalatoot]

Also, if you reduce your calories intake too much, your body will think it is in a famine situation, and store fat for as long as it can. I made that mistake, and now avoid weight gain by eating more.

[DippyDame]

Weight gain due to hypothyroidism is like no other weight gain it will not resolve until your thyroid hormone levels are correct for you as an individual.You are not helping things at this stage by cutting calories and exercising heavily.

You are overworking your poor body!

Others have already given you the advice you need.

Your GP is clueless and is making you unwell

Many of us have private tests because we found ourselves in a similar situation, so, here you are amongst people who have researched their condition and are more experienced than the average GP.....madness but true!

First step is to have full thyroid testing done, post your labs and members will then be able to advise further.

You need to be patient, there is no quick fix....but take heart there is a fix!

When you feel well you should be able to exercise again safely with improved metabolism.

I lost 3 stone once I was properly medicated.

Good luck!

[Claire28spence]

I found running wasn’t good for me , I used to 10k runs, it drained me, I’ve change to 30 minute Hitt workouts 5 times a week and walk an hour most days and I started to Loose weight with a healthy diet, some times to much is not good. I’m on 125mg. I also take a really good multi vit and iron supplement as my iron was low. It’s a constant battle tho, few days of the plan and I gain 4/5lb. So annoying. Good luck

[Wired123]

One thing to add is that 80% of weight gain/loss will be through diet as opposed to exercise. You really can’t outrun a bad diet. The tips above for low carb are the ones to follow, especially diet doctor which is a brilliant free website with amazing recipes.

[SAS_T in reply to Wired123]

Thank you for this . I have been unwell for several years but just got told it was menopause until my neck swelled up. I came out over 9 when tested 6 weeks later I was under 1 and then my neck swelled up even more. I have a very strict diet with no sweet stuff at all, very little alcohol and I eliminated bad carbs 5 years ago. In fact I am pretty much following a Keto diet. Like I say I exercise a lot and as a sportsperson have always retained the same weight for the last 30 years . Nothing has changed in exercise or diet and I am now 4 stone heavier. The only explanation I have been given that going through menopause at the same time as this means my body is storing fat as that has oestrogen in it and my metabolism has flatlined. My issue is it took 3 years to get the right tests done so now got a mountain to climb. Will see what the endo says and may come back to you re your contact. Thank you!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to SAS_T]

Come back with new post once you get latest results

Highly likely on TSH tested, which is completely inadequate

Essential to get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing, ideally BEFORE seeing any endocrinologist

And extremely important to do thyroid testing as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Majority of endocrinologists are diabetes specialists

You need thyroid specialist endocrinologist

[Hidden]

Pushing your body to that extent when you feel unwell is not sending it signals that everything is ok. This is likely not just messing with thyroid hormones but also cortisol, blood sugar and sex hormones.

Once you get some answers on your diagnosis and dosage I would recommend working with a nutritionist on the body composition stuff. Someone with experience in this area. Happy to recommend someone if you’re interested.

Good luck!

[cardmaking]

Hi I was born with Congenital Hypothyroidism„but they didn't discover it until I had a convulsion, when I was 4 months old. it was my Maternal grandmother who noticed I was ' nt looking very well. so my mum & Dad took took me for a checkup. I used to sleep 24/7 so my mum had to wake me up to feed me. I also suffer with type 2 diabetes. I, m on Metformin. & I, lost 20 lb in weight. I use shake it slim by Forza. It works. 2 a day for 2 weeks. I was 12st 14 & now I, m 11st 7.

Keep going you're doing well. Keep on at them to keep checking. Take care. Julie

[Sweeneythyca]

Hi, i had a TT almost two years ago, was on standard levothyroxine but couldn't get on with it. Went on Tirosint and lost 2kgs, I am a little under medicated at the mo as levels have dropped quite a bit so I am not hyper, but weight is lowest its been in years. Was so worried about weight gain as I'm only 5,2 so can't afford to carry much weight, I'm 52kgs, years ago I was 63kgs and felt dreadful.Anyway just sharing my experience as that particular med is good for keeping weight down I've heard and experienced.

[Batty1]

1200 is the minimum amount of calories anyone should eat and your only eating 1000 and then running and weight training on top of that ... Hypothyroidism stinks no doubt about it but your not eating enough calories to see weight loss and I bet this is why your gaining weight !

[Karen_lee]

Don't think you will loose weight on 1000 calories you need to do slimming world thats thr only thing that has worked for me and I do loads of running and exercise

[Wired123 in reply to Karen_lee]

How is slimming world more successful than any other diet plan. Keen to learn a bit more as I’ve never tried it, but heard great things and success stories including meeting one of their ambassadors who has lost 8 stone and was promoting it in my town centre last year! I’d be happy with 4 stone weight loss, don’t need to lose 8!

[butlertammy]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one, an very keen to hear what your endo says as I have the exact same issue!

3 stone heavier... All whist dieting trying a range of different calories per day with 30 minutes of hit exercise per day and 3 sessions of 1 hour speed walking per week. I put 8 lbs on in 2 weeks last month while on a strict 1000 calories per day! And let’s just say it clearly wasn’t water wight as it’s still not come off 4 weeks later.

I’ve now scrapped all dieting and just try to eat healthy as it clearly seemed to be making things worse...

I just paid for the Thriva test, I’ll post results separately.

[Batty1 in reply to butlertammy]

Same issue .... whatever you do don’t stop moving and maybe add more walking if you can. I use to walk 10 miles a day and do fitness classes on top of that and was fit and thin, lost my thyroid and developed debilitating psoriatic arthritis and the weight piled on.

[london81]

i’m a personal trainer & i have hashimotos ( autoimmune thyroid disease) and when i was not optimal with regards my thyroid and underlying immune system i was 4 stone over weight. when i optimised my thyroid, gut and vitamins i steadily lost this excess4 stone. and i was eating 2000 calories a day, burning around 2800 as i was very active. 1000 calories is too low long term. do you track your calorie output via a fitbit or similar? it might be worth doing this if not- whilst they aren’t 100 percent reliable you can get an idea of steps, activity and heart rate. without the realistic data of what you are burning it’s impossible to know how much to eat. one thing to add on calories though is this- fitbit and trackers in general estimate calories based on weight heart rate & steps. in people with thyroid issues i personally feel the metabolism is slower ( for example when ill my temperate was 34.4 degrees so there is no way i was burning the same as someone with average temp of 36.5-37), so keep this in mind when looking at this aspect. You should consider the advice given here around testing- get a copy of your GP file under GDPR this is your legal right. Ask for copies of results and ranges for each test going forward. post the results here for advice. have private tests if needed such as reccommended ( b12, folate, ferritin, vitamin D). i also personally found testing my female sex hormones useful but this can come later if needed.

once again i must say- 1000 calories long term is minuscule and will deprive your body. please reconsider. you may be surprised that you can eat more and still lose weight if you approach it in a different way- the way you describe it here sounds punishing, i get it but please be kind to yourself

good luck

[Hilsen]

What’s in the calories: have you tried looking at proportion of protein in relation to carbs and fat; also amount of sugar consumed. Although there are recommended proportions, it differs for each individual especially if you are hypo.

[Roadrunnergreg]

Hiya, not read all the replies but like others have said we need levels and lab ranges, I like to think of it like shoes and manufacturers, they make a RANGE of sizes YOU/WE have a certain SIZE that's a good fit, its like that with all things human, the problem and something doctors don't get is when the ranges were set, there were people in those ranges declared healthy but weren't optimal, you need optimal...

Now that's out the way and given the amount of exercise you say you did when you were healthy, I'd get your Cortisol checked too, as they may be involved high cortisol often suppresses thyroid hormone as it did myself, which is also where zinc comes in, it balances thyroid and cortisol by reducing cortisol and let thyroid levels come up, and us one scenario not talked about much except by me, as I've been there myself... also something else is quite often with hypothyroidism and sluggish metabolism Inc poor nutrient levels is LOW Stomach Acid Levels, needed for nutrient absorption as well as breaking food down. I haven't covered everything as most has been, just some of the oddities

Hope that helps...