LOSE WEIGHT WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM: HORMONAL TREATMENTS
People start to gain weight for various reasons: eating disorders, very sedentary lifestyle, among others. But, when weight gain is closely related to hypothyroidism, what should be done? First, let's be clear:
WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM?
According to the US Medical Library, hypothyroidism “is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.”1. This hormonal deficiency is also known as an underactive thyroid.
Now, it is worth asking, how does the thyroid found in the neck affects the fat found in the abdomen?
HOW DOES HYPOTHYROIDISM AFFECT A PERSON'S WEIGHT?
People with hypothyroidism are characterized by their thyroid gland not making enough thyroxin. This substance, in turn, is responsible for regulating metabolism and body temperature.
This means that the body, due to the lack of thyroxin, does not assimilate the energy from food in the same way and accumulates fat.
"The person with hypothyroidism has a very slow metabolism."2
Also, the variation in body temperature is another reason why hypothyroidism affects weight since calories are not burned in the proper way, which leads to weight gain.
HORMONAL WEIGHT LOSS TREATMENTS IN PEOPLE WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM: WEIGHT CONTROL WITH LEVOTHYROXINE
Levothyroxine3 is a drug used to treat thyroxin hormone deficiency that must be administered orally in a synthetic way.
It may take some time to determine the appropriate dose since it varies depending on age, weight, the severity in which the hypothyroid is detected, and the influence of other pre-existing diseases.
Because of this, the patient must carry out medical check-ups for the first three months to observe their level of hormones in the blood and confirm the dose supplied.
But for the levothyroxine to have better effects, the treatment must be complemented with a specific diet.
WHAT ARE THE BEST DIETS FOR PEOPLE WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM?
The best diets are those based on hyperthyroid, which are characterized by marked iodine concentrations4 that activate the function of thyroid hormones. Such as:
• vegetables,
• nuts,
• spices,
• herbs, and
• shellfish.
All of them using preferably iodized salt in its preparation and eating less highly processed foods so the fat gain is lower. Of course, this also must go along with a proper exercise routine
Note: Some people who experience hypothyroidism feel guilty about their appearance and decide to start fasting. But,is it healthy? To know the answer, click here.
LOSING WEIGHT WITH HYPERTHYROIDISM IS A CHALLENGE, NOT A WASTE OF TIME
Losing weight with hypothyroidism is difficult; many people who experience this disease are overwhelmed by uncertainty. They think: "If I have not eaten abundantly, why do I deserve to be fat?"
And it is true, they do not deserve to be fat, but neither do they deserve to be worn down emotionally by that fat. So, don't give up and keep fighting for the weight you deserve with the help of experts in the field.
Note: The information and treatments presented in this article could vary from person to person; therefore, they should not be taken as something rigid and immutable.