Hypothyroidism & Weight Loss

Okay, so I found this article on WW web site and found it to be helpful. Perhaps it will be helpful to someone else so I thought I would share it with you!


Hypothyroidism and Weight Management
By The Weight Watchers Research Department 4/14/2006-->


Modest weight gain is one of many symptoms associated with the development of hypothyroidism, a medical condition in which the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone.
Thyroid hormone plays a role in the regulation of the body's metabolism. When the body's ability to produce the hormone is limited, there is a reduction in metabolism and subsequent weight gain can occur. Fluid retention is also linked with the development of hypothyroidism and can contribute to added weight. In addition to a reduced metabolism, weight gain prior to the diagnosis can be linked to a variety of factors, including increases in food intake, decreases in physical activity as the result of fatigue, and the aging process.
Hypothyroidism is a fairly uncommon condition, occurring in approximately 0.5% of the U.S. population.1 It is found more frequently in women and is diagnosed more often in both genders with advancing age. 2
Although some individuals gain a significant amount of weight, the average weight gain is around 5-10 pounds.3 Generally, the more severe the hypothyroidism, the greater the amount of weight gained.
Hypothyroidism Diagnosis and TreatmentHypothyroidism is diagnosed through a simple thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test to verify the thyroid gland's condition. If TSH is elevated, it usually means that there is not enough thyroid hormone in the blood. The American Thyroid Association guidelines recommend that all adults have a TSH test done every five years beginning at age 35.4Hypothyroidism is treated by replacing the missing thyroid hormone on a daily basis with the drug levothyroxine (i.e. brand name – Synthroid™). Life-long therapy is needed, however, as relapses will occur if therapy is stopped. Periodic adjustments in the amounts of medication used are often needed to keep thyroid function at normal levels.
Hypothyroidism and Weight ManagementOnce thyroid function is restored, the ability to lose weight is the same as someone without the condition. However, it is not uncommon for those being treated for hypothyroidism to lose weight at a slightly slower rate. Adjusting weight-loss expectations to take this into account is an often recommended strategy for those working to lose the weight gained prior to the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.