Tips on losing weight with Hypothyroidism

kathyniavarani

I my name is Kathy, and I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2013. Before that time, I had gotten divorced, lost about 40 lbs, was working out 3-4 times a week, and had finally gotten into my goal pants size!! Then it seemed like overnight without changing anything I started gaining weight. Within just a few weeks I had gained 15 pounds that I honestly couldn't explain. I was still working out, but all of a sudden I had no energy. Since my Mom had been through this with her thyroid, she suggested I get mine checked. So I made an appointment and sure enough the blood work showed I needed to be on meds. My Dr. assured me that once I got my levels regulated, I would be able to lose the weight again, with my current diet and exercise. Well guess what, that didn't happen... I continued to gain weight even though my blood work showed that my levels had stabilized. So I went to an Endocrinologist and was told my thyroid is fine, that I actually have a vitamin B-12 deficiency. So I started taking B-12, still no change. I am exhausted all the time. I have now gained most of the 40 lbs I had worked so hard to lose back, I still watch very closely the number of calories that I eat and try to stay between 1200 & 1400. I am not working out as diligently as I once did, but I never sit at home, I am constantly moving, and I work 50+ hours a week at my job. Within the last few weeks I have really been trying to lose some weight, I dropped my calories under a 1000 calories for 5 days last week. I lost weight the first 2 days and by day 5 I was back where I started. This seems to be the typical yo-yo cycle I am in. Please help!! I try not to eat to few calories, and I do give myself one cheat day on the weekend, but without working out every waking minute, does anyone have some suggestions as to how I can get the scale moving in the right direction again?? I am not looking for criticism, but some real help! I am very frustrated!!

mean_and_lean

Are you weighing/measuring everything that you put on your plate? If not then chances are good you're underestimating how much food you're actually consuming. It's quite an eye opener once you start putting things on a scale how small serving sizes really are.

StacyChrz

Hi Kathy,
No criticism here, just a friend. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid at age 8 and am now 40. I have struggled with my weight my entire life and have learned that once my hormone levels are balanced I do lose weight, with hard work, but I do lose weight. I see that you've seen an Endocrinologist and that is a great first step. I have never had a problem with B-12 but I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which I find goes along with Hypothyroid in many cases. I have found that I need exercise and a very well balanced diet in order to lose. If you'd be willing to open up your diary I would be happy to take a look to see if I see any red flags.

I can say that I have found that when I get enough Iodine in my diet that helps me a lot. You may also want to take a look at the article I linked below.

http://hypothyroidmom.com/weight-loss-and-hypothyroidism-quite-the-odd-couple/

CSARdiver

What is your TSH level? You want this under 2.0 mIU/L. You should also ask for a full thyroid panel and keep a copy of your lab results. Physicians are not usually the best people to talk to about weight loss, but you've found MFP - you have all the tools and information you need here!

I had a total thyroidectomy in 2000 and put on ~60lbs over the next 14 years when I left the military for a cushy civilian life. I started logging about 18 months ago and back to my fighting weight just being aware of what I eat and increasing my physical activity.

Hypothyroidism will cause increased cellular uptake, which results in short term water retention and the initial weight gain, but that's about it. Nothing that logging cannot overcome. There are several elite athletes with hypothyroidism, including Gillian Michaels.

blankiefinder

Kathy, if your thyroid levels are stable, you should be able to lose weight just like anyone else. Are you using a food scale? Try reading through my post here and see if there is anything that might help. http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10257474/starting-out-restarting-basics-inside#latest

I am going to attach the optimum thyroid levels below. Don't just settle for good enough, have your dr. aim to get you into the optimum zone for easiest weight loss.

kathyniavarani

mean_and_lean wrote: »

Are you weighing/measuring everything that you put on your plate? If not then chances are good you're underestimating how much food you're actually consuming. It's quite an eye opener once you start putting things on a scale how small serving sizes really are.

I actually have been weighing my food since just before the first of the year. I loose a few and gain them right back. I eat at home, cook every night, and try to eat lots of whole foods, not processed foods.

kathyniavarani

StacyChrz wrote: »

Hi Kathy,
No criticism here, just a friend. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid at age 8 and am now 40. I have struggled with my weight my entire life and have learned that once my hormone levels are balanced I do lose weight, with hard work, but I do lose weight. I see that you've seen an Endocrinologist and that is a great first step. I have never had a problem with B-12 but I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which I find goes along with Hypothyroid in many cases. I have found that I need exercise and a very well balanced diet in order to lose. If you'd be willing to open up your diary I would be happy to take a look to see if I see any red flags.

I can say that I have found that when I get enough Iodine in my diet that helps me a lot. You may also want to take a look at the article I linked below.

http://hypothyroidmom.com/weight-loss-and-hypothyroidism-quite-the-odd-couple/

I did read through your article earlier today, I had read something similar a few weeks ago. I actually followed a gluten free, dairy free diet a few years ago and did very well on it! That is how I was eating when I all of a sudden started gaining and ended up being diagnosed. I will open my diary and would love some input!

LKArgh

If your levels are fine (not marginally fine, but in yhe optimal range) then you lose weight like everyone else. Make sure you are counting your calories properly, log everything, use a food scale. No need for special diet restrictions. Make sure to eat at your calorie goal, and do not do cheat days. If you feel like eating more one day, log this too, or it could easily undo your work the previous days.

doosalily15

Ughhh so sad with this thyroid situation I have no idea where to go or what to do plz add me

Andersonhea

I got diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years ago. Don't know what my numbers are, I never get my results from my doctor. The condition is not under control and I have another appointment to see my Dr. again in a few weeks. Have been gaining weight rapidly in the last few years. I am now trying gluten free and reducing dairy (can't quite commit to total elimination yet). Need some friends who understand the struggle.

BoomstickChik

Doctors are extremely misinformed. A pill isn't a fix all. You need a good doc who will listen and test more than TSH.

Right med, right dose. Adjust.

Still having symptoms, if Hashimoto's, check for other autoimmune diseases.

I have had Hashimoto's for 8 years and I'm just now able to lose because I was diagnosed with celiac disease a year ago too. These autoimmune diseases make it damn near impossible.

BrittanyNicole934

I struggle with thyroid and adrenal problems as well. I was signboard with Addison's disease and Graves' disease. And gained over 50 lbs since the treatment has started. So absolutely I understand the struggle. What I have been doing the best I can is trying to exercise at least 30 min a day and really trying to watch what I eat. They really make it seem impossible but it has been done.

lithezebra

Having Hashimoto's probably hasn't affected my weight, in and of itself. I think that being depressed when I was hypothyroid was the main issue that led to emotional eating that caused me to be heavier before I was diagnosed. The weight that I was carrying in my twenties came off very slowly as I improved my diet and exercise habits, in my late twenties. It didn't happen just because I got thyroid medication.