losing weight with an under active Thyroid

I have hypothyroidism and am on the same dose of levo as your mom. It is definitely an uphill battle...is she seeing a nutritionist? I've heard that helps a lot, though I personally have never been to one. When your thyroid isn't working normally, your metabolism is all sorts of messed up and your body reacts differently to food and exercise than the body of someone with a normal-functioning thyroid would.

What works best for me is eating whatever I want in tiny portions throughout the day (mini-meals) and watching my fat intake very closely. I was watching carbs for a while (which I've heard is best if you have hypothyroidism) but didn't notice a difference and was actually gaining weight on that plan, so it's different for every person. The main thing is for your mom to keep her metabolism going throughout the day! Healthy snacks are key.

Have her talk to her endocrinologist as well and see if he/she can suggest anything. GL!

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism at 16. It is very difficult to lose weight and change your body. I lost 55 pounds by eating very clean and healthy. Even short relapses (even just a few days or week) into bad eating habits and not exercising made me gain a pound. So it can be difficult, but losing weight can be done with consistency and dedication.

I have the same problem. Since this is something that I have had my whole life I don't know what it's like to lose without hypothyroidism. I know losing is difficult, but I think it is hard for everyone. I have been winning the weight loss battle since 2004 and it's been hard. Taking the medicaiton at the same time everyday and one hour before eating should make a difference. I notice a difference when I forget to take my medication for a couple of days.

Hi, yes I am the same as your Mum and have struggled over the years to lose weight. I signed up for MFP last week and guess what - I have lost 6 lbs in the first week. UNBELIEVABLE! Mind you I have really stepped up to the exercise, 6.5 kms on exercycle, 10 minutes on vibratrain, 10 minutes in sauna and 30 minute walk. My calorie intake is 1220 which I am managing to maintain but are always looking for the next meal. I'm happy if it is dropping off and cannot believe how quick. Wishing her luck from New Zealand.

I think this is the article that was sent in one of the recent American Thyroid newsletters.

http://www.nelm.nhs.uk/en/NeLM-Area/News/2010---December/14/Taking-levothyroxine-at-bedtime-may-be-more-beneficial-than-taking-it-in-the-morning/

It's about taking thyroid at bedtime. I've been doing this for about a week. I get my thyroid retested at the beginning of the month, so I'll see how it's been working.

I am so glad to have found this topic, I am new to MFP and was diagnosed on October 1, 2010, although I suspect I have had it for a number of years. My doctors would treat a symptom I was having and no one checked my thyroid levels since my last child was born 12 years ago. I am thrilled to know that there really was something the matter with me although worried that the weight will continue to pile on. I am on Synthroid and I just got released from three months of physical therapy to start exercising. I met with a trainer today who recommended that I do ten minute spurts on several cardio things to avoid aggravating my low back/hip area. Wish me well as I start down this path to health please.