Hypothyroid and Weight Loss

*Patricia* · 06-04-2005, 09:14 PM

Hello there,

I was wondering if anyone with hypothyroidism has a hard time losing weight? I was diagnoised in 2001, shortly after that I lost 20 lbs., with exercise and eating right. But when my finals came 2 months later I put it back on. Now I started to work out again (off and on) and I was wondering if it seems harder to lose weight with hypothyroidism? Let me know. One main reason why I haven't lost weight is because I don't keep up with it that well or maybe I am just nuts! Thanks.

DrewM · 06-07-2005, 04:37 PM

Absolutely hypo can make it hard, if not impossible, to lose weight. I've been trying for SO LONG, working REALLY hard at it, and never lost a pound. Now that I'm on thyroid meds, the scale is finally starting to budge, and I haven't really been trying lately. I just started working out again yesterday, so I've yet to see how much of a difference it's going to make. But it's already been like a miracle for me--seeing that scale move almost made me cry!

*Patricia* · 06-07-2005, 09:46 PM

I have been on meds for 3 years now. But most recently I gained 10 lbs. When I worked out I didn't feel like I was losing anything, maybe inches, but I want to lose weight also. Right after I was ddx. I lost 20 lbs. but gained it back and then some. Maybe I am just not watching my diet like I should be. That's probably what it is. Thanks.

shenacat · 06-08-2005, 03:20 AM

The thing with thyroid disease is that it can effect your muscle fibers and composition of body fat, etc. It can actually make it very difficult to find the right kind of exercise, because if you don't find the right type, you will just be damaging your body (injuring yourself) instead of burning fat.

Other ladies have found low-impact exercises like weight training, pilates, and yoga to be better suited to thyroid disease. Aerobic exercise tends to be the big one to avoid.

astrophe · 06-08-2005, 04:47 AM

I'm hypo and can sympathize.

The first thing --- be consistent with diet and exercise. That has to be done no matter if the overweight person is hypo or not.

Second -- get your labs done in timely fashion. Your hypothyroid meds may sometimes need changing. Not being on the right dose seriouslly affects your weight loss progress. And take your meds correctly every day. That's a factor too.

A.

DrewM · 06-08-2005, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Aerobic exercise tends to be the big one to avoid.

Now THAT'S what I like to hear! I can lift weights until the cows come home, but aerobics I HATE. I still do it, in small amounts, but I hate it.

shenacat · 06-08-2005, 04:21 PM

I've always hated aerobics too! You know why? Because it would always cause such pain! The breathing hard and sweating was not the bad part... it was the feeling of my heart trying to beat its way out of my head, and the burning, burning, burning of my muscles. Turns out that thyroid disease can cause a much quicker build-up of lactic acid in the muscles (and a slower slough-off) which burns and kills muscle fibers. I never knew until I was adequately medicated and found out that I could tolerate aerobic-type exercise better (but still not so good).

I just thought that's what they meant when they said "feel the burn"! I thought people were all masochistic and into the pain or something.

DrewM · 06-08-2005, 04:33 PM

My God! That explains so much! I just always thought I was THE most out of shape person in the world, even before I got fat! I've never been a runner, stair-climber, or cyclist. I've always hated it because it made me feel so bad, not just physically, but bad about myself because I couldn't keep up.

So that explanation makes me feel better. Thanks SO much!

So that's why we should avoid aerobics? Because we can damage our muscles? Good to know!

lise · 06-10-2005, 11:24 PM

Hi ladies:

I am taking Cytomel for my Hashimoto's Thyroiditis but my weight still doesn't budge. I also just started taking Actos. I have been on thyroid med for just about a year and have blood tests in addition. I have zero side effects with the Cytomel in addition to zero weight loss. Any suggestions?? Thanks

shenacat · 06-13-2005, 08:50 PM

You have you balance your numbers and symptoms. When you get your lab results, make sure you get your Free T3 and Free T4 levels checked along with the TSH. The Free T3 should be mid-range while the Free T4 should be in the upper 1/3rd or 1/4th of the range. That may vary if you have irregular needs (like if you're intolerant to T3 or something). TSH is best at between .5-1.5