People suffering from hypothyroidism have a slower metabolism, and even if they have a low caloric intake, they are prone to gaining weight. When you gain or lose more weight for no apparent reason, your thyroid may be to blame.
Stress or certain illnesses can cause weight fluctuations, among many other problems. The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland at the neck’s base, produces two hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. When the thyroid doesn’t work as it should, disorders called hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can occur.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the gland produces more thyroid hormone than it needs, which causes other body systems to work harder. We consume more energy than we have and use our fat, muscle and bone stores. We lose weight because we consume ourselves in this hyperthyroidism, and symptoms such as tachycardia, hand tremors, sweating, insomnia, and diarrhoea appear.
On the other hand, hypothyroidism is a disorder with the opposite effects of hyperthyroidism. In this case, the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone than necessary. The body goes into inactive mode, and the basal metabolism drops, so energy consumption is minimal.
The sluggishness of the body is responsible for weight gain. The heart beats very slowly, and the digestive system works gradually. All organs are at the minimum possible. Even if they eat foods that do not increase their caloric intake much, the person with severe hypothyroidism progressively increases their weight. The unfortunate consequences are fatigue, swelling of the limbs, water retention, and frequent colds.
Does the thyroid cause weight fluctuation or not?
To find out if you have a thyroid disorder that may be causing you to gain weight, try dieting for a while. If you are on a weight loss diet and only manage to lose a few kilos, it would be advisable to see a doctor to do a set of blood tests.
Do the tests confirm a thyroid condition? The endocrinologist will prescribe the right medicines and adjust the dose that suits you. You can also rely on supplements such as selenium, zinc, spirulina, and magnesium that support weight loss when you have hypothyroidism. Reduce the consumption of gluten, lactose, and starch!
At what stages of life can you have thyroid disorders?
There are times when it is expected to have thyroid problems, such as after giving birth, when you may gain weight due to hypothyroidism a few months after the baby is born.
It is not the only stage in which you might face thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism can occur during menopause. During that time, a fat distribution change tends to be more noticeable on the abdomen.
