If you have hypothyroidism, it’s normal to worry about potential side effects like fatigue, constipation or depression. But if you’ve noticed the numbers on the scale slowly creeping up, you might also wonder, does hypothyroidism cause weight gain? We connected with several experts to find out.
Understanding hypothyroidism
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that produces hormones responsible for many bodily processes.
“Thyroid hormone controls your metabolism and how much fluid you retain,” says Pinar Smith, MD, an endocrinologist at Rush University System for Health specializing in thyroid disease. “It also affects your heart and bones. When you have hypothyroidism, it means your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.” This can have wide-ranging effects on your health and quality of life.
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Dr. Smith says hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, occurs for various reasons but is most commonly caused by an autoimmune disease called Hashimotos. Hashimotos causes your immune system to attack the thyroid gland, affecting hormone production. Though anyone can experience Hashimotos, research in one medical journal suggests it’s four to 10 times more common in women than men.
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, muscle aches, dry skin and more. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through a blood test, and it’s more common in women who are post-menopause, shows a study in Menopause Review.
Does hypothyroidism cause weight gain?
Yes. “Hypothyroidism is known to cause weight gain,” says Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, a double-board-certified obesity medicine physician and medical contributor for Drugwatch. “This occurs because of a slower metabolism, where the body burns fewer calories in its resting state, and decreased thermogenesis [the process of converting fat cells to energy]. Many patients find they have no significant changes in their lifestyle, yet they start gaining weight.”
Even so, the weight changes caused by hypothyroidism are often subtle. “Many patients expect thyroid dysfunction to lead to large amounts of weight gain, like 40 to 50 pounds. [But] in reality, most people gain much less weight, about 10 pounds,” Dr. Stanford adds.
How hypothyroidism is treated
According to Dr. Smith, the most common and effective treatment for hypothyroidism is T-4 supplementation. This approach uses a prescription medication called levothyroxine to rebalance hormones your thyroid is unable to produce on its own. The medication is taken daily by mouth and typically improves symptoms within two to four weeks.
Levothyroxine is safe and usually well-tolerated. But if you have heart disease or severe hypothyroidism, it can present risks. As a result, Dr. Smith says providers usually prescribe a low dose at first, then increase it over time to mitigate potential issues.
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3 ways to reverse weight gain if you have hypothyroidism
In addition to taking any medication your primary care physician might prescribe, these tricks help nourish your thyroid, which may make it easier to shed unwanted pounds.
1. Boost your iodine levels
Dr. Smith says many of the Great Lakes states are located in what was once called the “goiter belt”. The soil in this area lacks iodine, so people living there are more susceptible to goiters (thyroid inflammation) and hypothyroidism.
“Because of this, it’s especially important for those of us who live in the Midwest to include salt in our diet,” Dr. Smith says. “Specifically, I recommend eating Morton Salt because iodine is added to it to prevent thyroid problems. At the same time, you want to avoid salts that have the iodine removed, like sea salt and Himalayan salt.”
Dr. Smith says including iodized salt in your diet is necessary because iodine supports hormone production. “It’s basically the ‘food’ your thyroid gland needs to make thyroid hormone,” she explains.
If you eat a low-sodium diet, don’t stress — salt isn’t the only way to get iodine. Iodine-rich foods can be just as beneficial. These include seaweed, cod, nonfat milk and Greek yogurt.
2. Scale back on these veggies
“A balanced diet is key for anyone trying to lose weight, particularly for those with hypothyroidism,” says Dawn Ericcson, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer at AgeRejuvenation. “A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and complex carbs can help control weight and ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs.”
Limiting certain ingredients is just as crucial. For example, Dr. Ericsson says those with hypothyroidism should monitor their intake of goitrogenic foods, or foods that affect the production and synthesis of thyroid hormones. These include “cruciferous vegetables, soy and certain types of seafood.”
Indeed, a study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that eating large amounts of raw brassicas, such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts could negatively impact the thyroid. However, cooking or steaming them with iodized salt reduced their anti-thyroid effects.
3. Put some pep in your step
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts alternate between short bursts of intense physical activity and brief periods of rest. White this type of exercise doesn’t directly affect your thyroid, it can help you shed pounds if your thyroid hormone levels are low.
Research published in Sports Medicine concluded that HIIT workouts increased metabolism more than jogging and weight training. These types of workouts also cause your metabolism to burn fat instead of carbs, which can increase the amount of weight you lose. (A seated workout can be just as effective if you have mobility issues.)
“[An underactive thyroid] can make weight loss more challenging, [but] it’s not an insurmountable hurdle,” Dr. Ericsson says. “A balanced diet, regular exercise and correct use of thyroid medication can provide a comprehensive approach to weight management in hypothyroidism.”
For more ways to heal your thyroid:
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This Trace Soil Element Could Be Just What Your Thyroid Is Crying Out For If You’re Tired, Foggy and Can’t Lose Weight
“I Healed My Slow Thyroid With Sea Kelp — Now I Feel Better Than Ever!”
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
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