Hypothyroidism and Weight

Managing weight with hypothyroidism can be challenging, but finding what works best for your body is key to feeling your healthiest. 

This guide covers everything you need to know about the link between weight and hypothyroidism, as well as potential weight management solutions you may want to consider.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism means the body does not have enough or produce enough thyroid hormones. The most common cause is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the thyroid gland. 

Thyroid hormones have an important job; they regulate how your body uses energy – also known as your metabolism. That metabolism influences a lot of how you function – from your heart rate to body temperature to mood, digestion, and more. 

Can hypothyroidism cause weight gain?

Symptoms include feeling fatigued, depressed, cold, or constipated. It can also be marked by having dry skin and brittle hair, cramps, or – you guessed it – weight gain.

Hypothyroidism can slow down metabolism, leading to weight gain, but most of the weight gain is actually just water retention.

Depending on the severity of the disorder, and taking into account that each individual is unique, no more than five to 10 pounds of weight gain is to be expected when left untreated. 

How to know if weight gain is caused by hypothyroidism

There’s no way to officially know if your weight gain is due to hypothyroidism until you’ve been checked and diagnosed by a medical professional. So that’s step one. 

To treat hypothyroidism, it’s most likely you’ll be prescribed levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4).

Once your thyroid levels are back to normal, body weight should return to normal if the weight is associated with your thyroid.

Does weight gain cause hypothyroidism?

The short answer? No, it does not.

The long(ish) answer? That’s the difference between correlation and causation. While weight gain correlates with hypothyroidism (i.e., it’s a common symptom), gaining weight doesn’t cause an underactive thyroid.

What happens to my thyroid when I lose weight?

When you lose weight, your thyroid adapts by making subtle adjustments to its hormone production, to then make subtle changes to your metabolism. It’s a delicate balancing act, usually with no intervention needed when you lose weight as a healthy adult. 

However, if you have hypothyroidism, weight gain or loss might require adjustments in your thyroid medication. This is to ensure that hormone levels remain balanced as your body’s metabolic needs change. The healthcare provider treating your hypothyroidism will monitor your hormone levels to make the appropriate medication adjustments.

How do weight loss medications affect hypothyroidism?

If you still have concerns surrounding your weight, then you may be considering weight loss medication. If that’s the case, there are some side effects to keep in mind. 

GLP-1 medications can impact the absorption of thyroid medication. For example, levothyroxine usually needs to be taken on a consistent schedule, and on an empty stomach. Because GLP-1s can slow the emptying of the stomach, this can increase the risk of interactions between these medications.

Please consult the healthcare provider treating your hypothyroidism. If dose adjustments are made, let your Nurx providers know. 

How to manage weight when you have hypothyroidism

First, it’s important to take your medication as prescribed and work with a healthcare provider to maintain optimal thyroid levels.

As a whole, it’s great to consider an integrated approach; combining a personalized treatment, healthy diet, and moderate exercise.. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends around 150 minutes of activity a week.

What about probiotics?

Microbiome therapies may be all the rage – and while it’s possible probiotics can optimize thyroid function in those with thyroid disorders, the data is inconclusive on that front. The idea is that probiotics improve gut health, which is closely linked to metabolism which (yup, you guessed it) is closely linked to thyroid function. 

Regardless, probiotic-rich foods are great for overall health, so no one’s going to rain on your parade if you want to fill up on yogurt, kefir, and kimchi. Bonus: They help move digestion along, aiding constipation – a typical complaint from those with hypothyroidism.

You’ve got options

We know there’s a lot at play here. If you’re looking for support with weight management while dealing with a thyroid condition, we can help. Reach out to a Nurx provider today here.

Disclaimers:

• The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the content provided here for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your provider.

• Services and treatments, not offered in every state, include medical treatment of overweight and obesity including lifestyle counseling (e.g., diet and exercise) and prescription medications, if clinically appropriate, based on completion of  required consultation. Nurx requires regular check-ins to monitor your progress.  Weight loss may be associated with other symptoms including but not limited to muscle loss, fatigue, menstrual changes, gallstones, and mood changes. Extreme/rapid weight loss may result in nutritional deficiencies that lead to hair loss, anemia, weak bones, or increased risk of infection. Talk to your provider immediately about symptoms. Many people with overweight or obesity who lose weight have a tendency to regain all or some of the weight over time. Overweight and obesity medication efficacy increases with the addition of diet and exercise. Individual response to treatment may vary and is not guaranteed by Nurx.

• Nurx does not offer medical care for hypothyroidism.