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What is the relationship between hypothyroidism and weight gain?

 

Since the BMR (basic metabolic rate) in the patient with hypothyroidism is decreased,                                       an under active thyroid is generally associated

with some weight gain. The weight gain is often greater in those

individuals with more severe hypothyroidism. However, the decrease

in BMR due to hypothyroidism is usually much less dramatic than the

marked increase seen in hyperthyroidism, leading to more modest

alterations in weight due to the under active thyroid. The cause of the

weight gain in hypothyroid individuals is also complex, and not always

related to excess fat accumulation. Most of the extra weight gained in

hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation of salt and water.

Massive weight gain is rarely associated with hypothyroidism. In general,

5-10 pounds of body weight may be attributable to the thyroid,

depending on the severity of the hypothyroidism. Finally, if weight gain

is the only symptom of hypothyroidism that is present, it is less likely

that the weight gain is solely due to the thyroid.

 

How much weight can I expect to lose once the hypothyroidism is

treated?

 

Since much of the weight gain in hypothyroidism is accumulation in

salt and water, when the hypothyroidism is treated one can expect a

small (usually less than 10% of body weight) weight loss. As in the

treatment with hyperthyroidism, treatment of the abnormal state of

hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone should result in a return of body

weight to what it was before the hypothyroidism developed. However,

since hypothyroidism usually develops over a long period of time, it

fairly common to find that there is no significant weight loss after

successful treatment of hypothyroidism. Again, if all of the other

symptoms of hypothyroidism, with the exception of weight gain, are

resolved with treatment with thyroid hormone, it is less likely that the

weight gain is solely due to the thyroid. Once hypothyroidism has been

treated and thyroid hormone levels have returned to the normal range

on thyroid hormone, the ability to gain or lose weight is the same as in

individuals who do not have thyroid problems.

 

Can thyroid hormone be used to help me lose weight?

 

Thyroid hormones have been used as a weight loss tool in the past. Many

studies have shown that excess thyroid hormone treatment can help

produce more weight loss than can be achieved by dieting alone.

However, once the excess thyroid hormone is stopped, the excess weight

loss is usually regained. Furthermore, there may be significant negative

consequences from the use of thyroid hormone to help with weight

loss, such as the loss of muscle protein in addition to any loss of body

fat. Pushing the thyroid hormone dose to cause thyroid hormone levels

to be elevated is unlikely to significantly change weight and may result

in other metabolic problems.

Filed under: Medical Conditions