Hypothyroidism

Hi, I have been hypothyroid for years. With thyroxine make sure you take it on an empty stomach and not with any other pills, and wait an hour before eating, also taking it when you first get up really helps. It is hard to lose weight and I find for me exercise, at least walking daily, is needed to help the metabolism kick up a bit.

I've been without a thyroid since 2000 and gradually put weight on due to lack of exercise. I kept eating like I was running 6mi/day and swimming 2mi/day, only I forgot to run and swim.

Once I started using MFP about a year ago and started running and swimming again I lost gradually. Get your doc to push your TSH between 0.3 and 3.0 if you can and log your activity religiously.

There are quite a few Olympic athletes with hypothyroidism along with numerous fitness stars - Jillian Michaels being among them.

First I apologize if I come across as a little too blunt, that's not my intent. I have it myself and am taking synthroid every morning. But really if you take your medication every day on an empty stomach and your blood tests say your thyroid is normal with the medication you are taking, then there is no problem. In other words, when properly controlled, hypothyroidism has absolutely no impact on metabolism.

Now let's spin that in the positive! Eat right and exercise and you will lose weight. In a way, the fact you have a thyroid imbalance gives us a health warning sign most people don't have. If we have changed nothing with how we diet and exercise and suddenly weight starts either piling on or melting off, it's time to get our butts into the doctor because it's probably time to adjust our meds.

But really, don't see hypothyroidism as a limiter. Get it under control through your doctor, and follow the basics: calorie deficit and at least 30 minutes of moderate effort activity every day and you'll be fine!