Weightloss and hypothyroidism

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kaylalynn1987
kaylalynn1987 Posts: 2
in Health and Weight Loss
Does anybody else have borderline hypothyroidism where they won't give you meds because it's not bad enough but you still have some of the symptoms like always cold and midsection fat that just won't go away? I only weigh 130lbs but because it all sits in my middle I have this horrible muffin top and in the last year of exercising I haven't lost a pound or inch :s

Replies

  • pinkiemarie252
    pinkiemarie252 Posts: 222 Member
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    If it's not severe enough for medication then it might not be what's actually causing the muffin top. What kind of exercises are you doing? Have you gotten a second opinion on the thyroid?
  • clambert1273
    clambert1273 Posts: 840 Member
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    That isn't what is causing it. Hypothyroidism weight gain is ALOT of weight (in my case 50lbs) gain. Your problem is body composition and not necessarily weight...

    I haven't found a cardio program yet that will do anything for it BUT lifting weights will with a calorie deficit.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1045433-women-lifting-heavy-with-pics
  • maracuya23
    maracuya23 Posts: 122
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    If you're still symptomatic, it might be worth a second opinion. Some doctors use a TSH of 5 as a cut off for hypothyroidism, while more recent guidelines and specialists use a TSH of 2, which can be a substantial difference.

    You might also check for other potential underlying causes- things like iron deficiency can cause similar symptoms and it would be worth checking for.

    Eta: Either way, double check your consumption and calorie burn, and maybe look at incorporating more strength-based workouts to work on recomposition. It's possible to burn off fat even when you're hypo (just a bit harder.)
  • jlahorn
    jlahorn Posts: 377 Member
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    Does anybody else have borderline hypothyroidism where they won't give you meds because it's not bad enough but you still have some of the symptoms like always cold and midsection fat that just won't go away? I only weigh 130lbs but because it all sits in my middle I have this horrible muffin top and in the last year of exercising I haven't lost a pound or inch :s

    Meh, I lost 50 lbs in the last year with hypothyroidism. It affects everyone differently, but I still tend to doubt that your body composition is a result of the disease.

    You say you're borderline. Did they recommend any supplements? I'm on these:

    Pure Thyroid Support Complex
    https://www.google.com/search?q=pure+encapsulations+thyroid+support+complex&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-SearchBox&ie=&oe=#q=pure+encapsulations+thyroid+support+complex&rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-SearchBox&tbm=shop


    They're just vitamins. Could be the placebo effect, but I've been on them for about 2 months, and I feel like they helped.
  • rungirl1973
    rungirl1973 Posts: 2,559 Member
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    If you're still symptomatic, it might be worth a second opinion. Some doctors use a TSH of 5 as a cut off for hypothyroidism, while more recent guidelines and specialists use a TSH of 2, which can be a substantial difference.

    You might also check for other potential underlying causes- things like iron deficiency can cause similar symptoms and it would be worth checking for.

    Eta: Either way, double check your consumption and calorie burn, and maybe look at incorporating more strength-based workouts to work on recomposition. It's possible to burn off fat even when you're hypo (just a bit harder.)

    This is what I was going to say. I had a large amount of weight gain and other symptoms. My TSH was 3.3, technically still within the range of "normal". My former doctor didn't treat it, and I continued to gain weight and have other symptoms that I thought were depression. I moved a few months ago and went to a different doctor who treated it. My weight has been dropping, I have energy again, and I'm starting to feel like myself.
  • kaylalynn1987
    kaylalynn1987 Posts: 2
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    Thanks for all the reply's. I was tested when my thyroid felt bigger then normal and she tested my levels on three different occasions saying it was on the borderline of being low. It also it runs in my family... Everything else is healthy on me except my unexplained inability to get pregnant again.
    As for exercise I did a full round of p90x, a full round of insanity, two tries at 30 day shred, and am now simply trying to run on the treadmill and do various exercise videos I find on you tube. Still with no luck.
    As for eating I've always eaten healthy, I normally stay within my calorie range and try new healthy recipes every chance I get.

    Any other ideas why I can't lose the weight in the middle?
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
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    I am genuinely hypothyroid and successfully lost weight before they put me on meds. I don't think your hypoactive thyroid is causing your muffin top. You just need to keep at it and lose the fat. Is it possible you're eating more than you think?
  • myst036
    myst036 Posts: 19 Member
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    Hi
    I am actually severely hypothyroid and for years I made the excuse that it was the hypothyroidism that was making it impossible for me to lose weight. I gained 80 pounds in three months! It is so depressing to gain that amount of weight when you are walking two hours a day and eating under 1500 calories a day. I was on a high dose of hormone due to my size.

    It will be three years in March and I have lost over 155 pounds. I never thought it would happen, but in the end all it took was restraint and exercise. I had to change the way I think about eating, and stop making excuses.

    Don't get me wrong, the thyroid issue has slowed my weight loss down, but in the end it was me that was my worst enemy. I love my life now and I don't make excuses any more. I try to stick to portion sizes and make sure that my protein and fibre amounts are met daily.

    It is doable, but being honest about what you put in your body is a must! Also do not skip meal, and have healthy snacks. I eat up to six times a day. I eat more now then I ever have, but its just what I eat that makes the difference. I have to say at first it was hard giving up the fatty onion rings and Cheetos, but now I find those foods make me sick to my stomach.

    Keep going, but be honest about what you are putting in your mouth and exercise is key. I do something every day, and resistance three times a week. Its a lifestyle now , and one that I love.

    If you can do that, then it will melt off. Good luck!
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
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    Hi
    I am actually severely hypothyroid and for years I made the excuse that it was the hypothyroidism that was making it impossible for me to lose weight. I gained 80 pounds in three months! It is so depressing to gain that amount of weight when you are walking two hours a day and eating under 1500 calories a day. I was on a high dose of hormone due to my size.

    It will be three years in March and I have lost over 155 pounds. I never thought it would happen, but in the end all it took was restraint and exercise. I had to change the way I think about eating, and stop making excuses.

    Don't get me wrong, the thyroid issue has slowed my weight loss down, but in the end it was me that was my worst enemy. I love my life now and I don't make excuses any more. I try to stick to portion sizes and make sure that my protein and fibre amounts are met daily.

    It is doable, but being honest about what you put in your body is a must! Also do not skip meal, and have healthy snacks. I eat up to six times a day. I eat more now then I ever have, but its just what I eat that makes the difference. I have to say at first it was hard giving up the fatty onion rings and Cheetos, but now I find those foods make me sick to my stomach.

    Keep going, but be honest about what you are putting in your mouth and exercise is key. I do something every day, and resistance three times a week. Its a lifestyle now , and one that I love.

    If you can do that, then it will melt off. Good luck!


    Congratulations on losing 155 pounds. That's amazing!
  • rushfive
    rushfive Posts: 603 Member
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    I am the same body weight and muffin top. Frustrating!

    I lost 20 pounds and still have muffin top. Also had my thyroid removed and take the meds. soooo still have the muffin top.

    It is tough to get rid of that things wrapped around the belly... wish there was a magic exercise to get rid of it..but doesn't sound like there is. All I hear is eat at a calorie deficit and exercise.

    I always say it looks like I am 6 months pregnant.
    Good Luck
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
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    That isn't what is causing it. Hypothyroidism weight gain is ALOT of weight (in my case 50lbs) gain. Your problem is body composition and not necessarily weight...

    I haven't found a cardio program yet that will do anything for it BUT lifting weights will with a calorie deficit.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1045433-women-lifting-heavy-with-pics

    ^^ This
  • Nutmeg76
    Nutmeg76 Posts: 258 Member
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    I have hypothyroidism and it is always at varying levels of "controlled". I had a difficult time losing weight before I switched to a whole foods, lower (not low) carbohydrate diet. The key though is the right kind of exercise. Too much high intensity stuff is too stressful on the body and can result in abdominal fat.

    Lift heavy 1-3 times a week
    Walk or other lower impact activities 3-5 times a week
    Do HIIT (tababt intervals, sprint intervals, etc.) 2 times a week.
    Make sure to have 2 real rests days (walking can be done on rest days as long as it is not in the "cardio" heart range).

    I lost 30 pounds in three months and dropped 10 inches from my waist this way.
  • arrseegee
    arrseegee Posts: 575 Member
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    If you have a thyroid problem that your doctor doesn't think is worth treating, yet you still have other symptoms, I'd suggest seeing a different doctor to get a second opinion (or at the very least some advice on how to manage weight loss).

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