Weight gain

[Doblo60]

Hi my name is Marie I have an underactive thyroid and numerous other health issues arthritis being one of them I have been smoke free for 15 weeks and I have gained weight never been this heavy and now my legs and ankles are swelling up. Any ideas would be gratefully received thanks

[Hidden]

Hi Marie. Welcome to the forum! Well done for giving up smoking. I know from my mum and my sister how hard that can be. I have an underactive thyroid too, but as long as you are on the correct medication, that does not affect your weight. So I don't know about the swollen ankles. If I were you, I'd see my doctor as soon as possible to get that sorted out. You might need diuretics. It might be blood pressure, in fact there's a whole host of things it could be, but your doctor will be able to help. In the meantime, I'm sure admin will be in touch with advice about how to get the best out of the NHS website. Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

That's not strictly true. I have hashimotos and it's autoimmune and flares up every so often. It's actually made my thyroid overactive once or twice (weirdly I gained weight then too) and it causes fluctuations that are quite difficult to correct with medication when your doctor only takes your blood once a year. So am underactive thyroid can add to your weight problems I'm afraid.

[Tiggerr]

Hi Marie, well done for giving up smoking.

I can't advise on the swelling, hopefully there are others here that can. 'My' experience with smoking and weight gain is as follows.

My partner turned 60-something the other day. After smoking for over 50 years she gave up two years ago and hasn't looked back. She put on weight which we kinda figured would happen. Knowing it was likely to happen she always thought it was more important to kick the habit completely, not to panic about the weight going on and then work on the weight further down the line.

About 18 months down the line she started working on her weight and is now happy at the level she has reached.

If you can stop smoking and keep your weight down then good for you but it may be easier to focus on one and know you can deal with the other at your 'leisure' in the future.

[wa2un7 Maintainer]

Well done on quitting smoking. That is the biggest battle you will ever have to fight. You've won that one so there is nothing you can't do. You will get lots of advice and support here. I would just say, eat within your recommended calorie range, try to be a little more active and set yourself small, achievable goals even if it's only a few pounds at a time. You'll get there. Good luck.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, Marie

I don't have an underactive thyroid, but i have given up smoking and lost weight at the same time, so, if I can, so can you

There are two communities that may be useful to you, as well as this one

healthunlocked.com/thyroiduk

healthunlocked.com/quitsupport

I also think you should see your GP about your swollen legs and ankles, as Hidden has suggested.

Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), read the Welcome Newbie thread first and move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you

Move down to the Topics, to find a variety of threads, collated into specific topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news

Have a look at the 12 week plan, as many people have been successful following it. Don't forget to take your starting measurements and a 'before' picture, as they can be very motivating on days that the scales refuse to co-operate

Although the majority of our daily weigh-in's are now quite full, we still have some spaces and Sunday's is very quiet, you'd be very welcome to join us. The threads can always be found in the Events section, to the right of the home page, bottom on a mobile.

We've found that to get the best out of this community, we need to be active on the forum, as it's where we exchange information, get motivation and inspiration and make friends. We hope that you'll join us here, regularly, too

It's only left for me to wish you well on your journey

[ary88 Restart July 2023]

are you as active as you would like,or does thyroid affect motivation levels and circulation

[George56]

Hi Marie I can relate to your issues. A big well done for stopping smoking. I did the very same over 20 odd years ago. I'm new to the group forum & can only wish you success. All the best for the future. G