Thyroid and Weight Gain

The thyroid is an organ in the neck which produces hormones for controlling the body's metabolism along with other functions. Thyroid is characterized by its hormone production.

When the hormone production is below normal levels, it is called as hypothyroidism. High hormone production causes hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is under active. When the hormone production is low, it slows down the metabolism and results in weight gain. A decrease in thyroid function results in a decrease in the consumption of energy and as a result the excess energy is stored in the body as fat. Weight gain is, therefore, typical of an under active thyroid.

The onset of hypothyroidism is usually gradual and, in most cases, you may not recognize the early signs and symptoms which include fatigue, lack of energy, sensitivity to cold, constipation, heavy menstrual periods, and weight gain despite a diminishing appetite. Untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.

Following are the causes of Hypothyroidism:

• Hashimoto disease

• Iodine deficiency

• Radiation therapy

• Surgery

• Certain drugs like lithium or phenylbutazone

• Congenital form of the disorder

Treatment for Hypothyroidism:
Medical treatment is most commonly an orally administered, synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. The drug is typically administered in small doses and gradually increased after checking your levels of TSH every three months. Establishing the proper dosage is very important and it will vary with every individual.

Because hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism, it becomes easier for you to gain weight, and harder to lose weight. Even if you are taking treatment for hypothyroidism, you may find it difficult to lose the weight you have gained. In such cases it is very important to pay particularly close attention to diet and exercise in addition to ensuring that the correct dose of medication is being taken.

Even though weight control may be more difficult with hypothyroidism, it is still quite possible with lifestyle modifications. Always remember to consult your health care provider if you have any concerns.