I have an overactive thyroid and have put on a lot of weight

[Hayley92]

I'm doing everything the same exercise regularly, I'm taking propylthiouracil 3 times a day and when I started them I put on a stone and when I was off them a while I lost it all.. Does this medicine make you gain weight?

[Nathalie70]

I'm on Carbimazole and I have not gain weight but I have a blood test every 4 weeks to be sure I don't go hypo. What were your last results?

[Jackie]

Hi You can be over weight or visa versa if Hypo or Hyper but unusual. I would urgently have a test for TSH, T4 and Free T3.I think you could be low.You should be having lots of tests anyway.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[marram]

The gain in weight is the result of the slowing down of the metabolism, not the direct result of taking the medication. It Is a very subtle difference, I agree. It is just possible that you might be on a higher dose than needed, on the other hand, it may be that your body needs a little time to adjust.

Another thing to consider is that you may have lost weight when your thyroid was not under control, and your body is trying to regain its optimum weight, If you feel you are putting on too much weight and this makes your BMI too high, then talk to your Endo and see what he/she thinks.

When I was hyper I was only 6 stone 4lbs and this was much too low for a healthy body. I had a total thyroidectomy and immediately put on a lot of weight (4 Stones) but lost it gradually over a period of time (fast weight loss can be harmful anyway, nearly as bad as being overweight)

It was only when my thyroid replacement was reduced that I put on weight again.

I must say I always was happier with myself when I was a bit hyper because of the weight loss. Sadly I never stayed a 'bit' hyper, it always went out of control and made me very ill mentally. I admit, though, that I do miss being lighter!

Take care

Marie XXX

[greenginger]

Hi I am on carbimazole ( for 22 months) and unlike many hypers never lost weight and have put more on since being medicated.

It is definitely metabolic and the weight has settled around my middle. This is indicative of metabolic disorders and also common for hypo or under active people too. ( My mum and sister were always slim until they got Hashis).

Any thyroid problem can cause issues with weight and metabolism.