Does anyone have continuing weight gain? Its be... - Thyroid UK

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Does anyone have continuing weight gain? Its been over 10 years and it just keeps piling in.

joesoap profile image
10 Replies

I'm on 150 mgs Thyroxine daily.

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joesoap
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10 Replies

Hello

I gained so much weight and found I had intolerance to many foods.

I am now dairy wheat and gluten free my weight is coming off and I feel better than before.

I wish you well and hope you find answers to your questions.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Hi joesoap

Weight gain is a very common question by many who are on levothyroxine.

GP's usually keep their patients 'within the normal range' when we should have a TSH 1 or below or even suppressed. So maybe you could do with an increase. How do you feel otherwise despite the weight gain?

If you can get a copy of your latest thyroid blood test results complete with ranges and post again someone will comment.

In the meantime this is a link for your info and there are other topics at the top of the page. Some of the links within may be unavailable.

web.archive.org/web/2010122...

joesoap profile image
joesoap in reply to shaws

I feel unwell in general but I do have other probkems.. arthritis and also colitis. Im due to have my bloods tested this week and will be very suprised if Thyroxine is not increased again.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to joesoap

Most times if you are not on an optimum dose to relieve all your symptoms, doctors are apt to believe that other problems are nothing to do with the thyroid gland and they can be wrong.

I had more symptoms appear once I was on levothyroxine, although many do well and obviously will not be on a Forum such as this, but all symptoms have now gone but I had to change to alternatives and also go private.

joesoap profile image
joesoap

Thank you so much for your good wishes... I have been on Thyroxine for 10 years plus now and the weight is still going up. I think I need to learn much more about this condition of ours. It seems to me I don't know nearly enough.

This site is splendid and you are all treasures.

TAG145 profile image
TAG145 in reply to joesoap

I’m in the same boat but have been on NDT FOR 20 years. I’ve been reading a lot lately about not having enough T3. Paul Robinsons books are a wealth of knowledge. Makes sense because generally those on T4 do the worst long term, then NDT (4:1 ration T4:T3), so it seems we are all getting too much T4.

delabutte profile image
delabutte

Hi,

I am four years into my diagnosis of hypothyroidism and four and a half stone (67lb) heavier. My blood results (TSH and free T4 - free T3 not done by lab) always 'within range'. Taking 150mcg levo daily for much of the time. Admittedly appetite and eating has increased since starting levo just as energy and motivation has disappeared. According to GP, it's my lack of willpower. Maybe, but I was more active, happier and far less overweight before diagnosis and levo.

I have never found an answer to the weight problem. I really hope you do.

Regards

B

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to delabutte

Hi Delabutte

I think it is awful of your GP to say you lack willpower - it just goes to show how many are ignorant of problems due to underactive thyroid which means our metabolism is very, very low. Therefore it is extremely difficult to lose weight gain.

The reason may well be that your GP says 'within range'. Please get a copy of your latest blood test results complete with the ranges and post again so that someone will comment. In actual fact we should have a TSH range of 1 or below or even some T3 added if necessary. We need to raise our metabolism and that is usually by an increase in meds.

Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi It may be your Free T3, make sure it has been tested. You may need T3 on a script, It does also normally lower the TSH. I need my FT3 near the top of range.

Jackie

Gaining weight or not being able to get it off is an absolute nightmare. Having only lost 9lb in the past year (none in the previous year) on a stric diet and three times a week at the gym of approx one and a half hours cardio and resistance. I have just gone really really low carb (please don't answer with all the info re how bad this is, I have read research on both sides). A friend who did this lost 6lb in one week. Me? I have lost 1lb in two weeks. I am sick of eggs, cheese, bacon, steak, fish on their own or with just veg and oh for a slice of toast, it's not a happy place to be. A nice fruit salad is a treat as long as you only eat a thimble full and still the piles stay piled on. I am hungry all the time, it's not nice. To lose weight being hypo means you have to be vigilant all the time. We have two complimentry vouchers for a three course meal out, we got them two and a half years ago and they have not been used because I don't eat three course meals. What a waste.

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