Hypothyroidism....could this be why I am not losing ANY weight????
oliversnh
Posts: 15 Member
I hate to blame my hypothyroidism, but I am eating right and exercising (more than I ever have) for two months now and my weight won't budge! I just had my physical and my levels are right where they should be (with meds). It's so frustrating! I have dropped weight in the past, so why is this time sooooooo hard????
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Replies
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Have you considered changing your diet? (Example: eating high carb and changing to high fat) Are you weighing and measuring everything accurately when you log? Is your calorie goal too high? Too low? I couldn't access your feed/diary so it's difficult to give decent advice here for me0
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If your levels are where they should be, then your thyroid with meds is working the same as a typical thyroid and it is likely that that is not the cause.
Are you weighing everything? Not going off the numbers on the back of the package? Not using measuring cups/spoons, but weighing. Are you entering workout calories? How much of the work out calories are you entering (since MFP and machines typically overestimates calories burned).
If weight loss is not happening, then it is typically an issue with logging somewhere. I would start there, make sure you are very accurate there, and then give it a few weeks. If after a few weeks you still see no change, it may come down to eating too much. Not sure what your calorie goal is, but you may need to play with the amount by a 100 calories or so.
Hope this helped!10 -
dietstokes wrote: »If your levels are where they should be, then your thyroid with meds is working the same as a typical thyroid and it is likely that that is not the cause.
Are you weighing everything? Not going off the numbers on the back of the package? Not using measuring cups/spoons, but weighing. Are you entering workout calories? How much of the work out calories are you entering (since MFP and machines typically overestimates calories burned).
If weight loss is not happening, then it is typically an issue with logging somewhere. I would start there, make sure you are very accurate there, and then give it a few weeks. If after a few weeks you still see no change, it may come down to eating too much. Not sure what your calorie goal is, but you may need to play with the amount by a 100 calories or so.
Hope this helped!
This. Its always this.3 -
dietstokes wrote: »If your levels are where they should be, then your thyroid with meds is working the same as a typical thyroid and it is likely that that is not the cause.
Are you weighing everything? Not going off the numbers on the back of the package? Not using measuring cups/spoons, but weighing. Are you entering workout calories? How much of the work out calories are you entering (since MFP and machines typically overestimates calories burned).
If weight loss is not happening, then it is typically an issue with logging somewhere. I would start there, make sure you are very accurate there, and then give it a few weeks. If after a few weeks you still see no change, it may come down to eating too much. Not sure what your calorie goal is, but you may need to play with the amount by a 100 calories or so.
Hope this helped!
This OP1 -
dietstokes wrote: »If your levels are where they should be, then your thyroid with meds is working the same as a typical thyroid and it is likely that that is not the cause.
Are you weighing everything? Not going off the numbers on the back of the package? Not using measuring cups/spoons, but weighing. Are you entering workout calories? How much of the work out calories are you entering (since MFP and machines typically overestimates calories burned).
If weight loss is not happening, then it is typically an issue with logging somewhere. I would start there, make sure you are very accurate there, and then give it a few weeks. If after a few weeks you still see no change, it may come down to eating too much. Not sure what your calorie goal is, but you may need to play with the amount by a 100 calories or so.
Hope this helped!
All this! Plus if what I just looked at in your diary is correct, then you definitely need to eat more. You should be eating what mfp tells you, PLUS your exercise calories. Check to make sure your entries are correct first like this poster said though because you could be under logging if it isn't accurate.
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I would stay eat more, exercise and ensure that you have a 500 daily calorie deficit = 3500 calories = 1 lb per week.
Asa someone without a thyroid, you are going to have to move every day. I try to have 500 calories a day deficit.
Check out that your Vitamin D levels are ok, that will entail having a blood test, mine was extremely low. Cut out the white stuff - especially white flour etc. I also cut soy out of my diet. Good luck.1 -
If she's not losing weight on what she's currently eating, the solution is not to eat MORE. I suspect logging issues/eating more calories than she thinks.13
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It's absolutely possible to lose weight while being hypothyroid. I mean, I lost weight with hashimotos while not getting any treatment without any problems. it just comes down to weighing everything accurately (that means using a food scale for everything) and choosing the right data base entries.2
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I hate to blame my hypothyroidism, but I am eating right and exercising (more than I ever have) for two months now and my weight won't budge! I just had my physical and my levels are right where they should be (with meds). It's so frustrating! I have dropped weight in the past, so why is this time sooooooo hard????
That's been my one symptom that, no matter how controlled my levels, I just can't get under control. I have to drop to below 1,000 calories and workout every day or my weight doesn't budge. I'm lucky to maintain and not gain. The only time I was able to lose eating a healthy amount of food was when my endo prescribed phentermine for three months.
So, TL;DR answer: yes.
And while I know everyone is going to tell you you're just not working hard enough because "they did it just fine," hypo/Hashimoto's affects everyone slightly differently and some might not have the weight issue at all or might not have it as severely.8 -
"If your levels are where they should be, then your thyroid with meds is working the same as a typical thyroid and it is likely that that is not the cause."
This is SO not true.11 -
Definitely frustrating. While I agree it's important to make sure you're logging and weighing everything accurately, its still hard to lose while hypo. At least it is for me. If you're on medication and your numbers are "in range" its still possible for them to not be the right range for you. My numbers were perfect according to my endo, but I didn't lose anything until I switched my meds and my dosage. Now that I'm on a compounded med with an adjustment in the dosage, I have been losing as long as I track everything and exercise daily. It's still not easy, but the scale is finally moving.3
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Have you gotten off Gluten? Rid your diet of this and you may see a change, it helped me and I also have hypothyroidism.1
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I have had similar problems for a few years. Here is what is working for me. It comes from a book called State of Slim by 2 Dr's at Anschutz Medical Center in Denver. Eat 6 times per day; first meal within hour of waking; each meal 4-6 oz lean protein and as many non starchy vegs as you want; at 3 meals you can have some starchy carb from their list; 15 almonds or TBS olive oil 2x/day. I'm not doing it perfectly but having more success than I ever have and not hungry or craving at all. I would suggest the book because theres more to it but this might get you started a week and you could see how you feel.1
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I hate to blame my hypothyroidism, but I am eating right and exercising (more than I ever have) for two months now and my weight won't budge! I just had my physical and my levels are right where they should be (with meds). It's so frustrating! I have dropped weight in the past, so why is this time sooooooo hard????
First OP, are all your levels okay or just one of the 3 - T4, T3, TSH ? Becauase my T4 & T3 can be perfect but my TSH can be way out and cause problems. I have been dealing with my thyroid issues since I was 18 and this was often the case for me. It took almost 12 years before they got everything figured out, a change in diet did help for a while but changing medications was the biggest help for my thyroid.
Second, Was this an endo or just a PCP? There is a difference, Endo's generally are a bit better for dealing with the thyroid in my experience they get you the answers and work with you. PCP's can just dismiss things.If she's not losing weight on what she's currently eating, the solution is not to eat MORE. I suspect logging issues/eating more calories than she thinks.
You are wrong, not eating enough could be the issue. Bumping cals up could help.
That said, it could be not accurate logging, it could be not logging everything.
It could be that you are logging a guesstimate in calories burned and eating all those calories back and over eating thinking you aren't.
It could be about 1 million reasons why this is harder than it has been in the past.
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robinketer533 wrote: »Have you gotten off Gluten? Rid your diet of this and you may see a change, it helped me and I also have hypothyroidism.
No. Unless you have a diagnosed medical condition that requires it, eliminate lt gluten is not needed to lose weight.3 -
I have had similar problems for a few years. Here is what is working for me. It comes from a book called State of Slim by 2 Dr's at Anschutz Medical Center in Denver. Eat 6 times per day; first meal within hour of waking; each meal 4-6 oz lean protein and as many non starchy vegs as you want; at 3 meals you can have some starchy carb from their list; 15 almonds or TBS olive oil 2x/day. I'm not doing it perfectly but having more success than I ever have and not hungry or craving at all. I would suggest the book because theres more to it but this might get you started a week and you could see how you feel.
If you're on thyroid meds you should not be eating or drinking anything for 30-60 minutes after getting up and taking your medication. it works best on an empty stomach.3 -
"If your levels are where they should be, then your thyroid with meds is working the same as a typical thyroid and it is likely that that is not the cause."
I could have a field day with that one - but really, just treat it as misinformation and ignore it.
Weight gain and difficulty losing weight are classic know medical signs of hypothyroidism. Even with the correct levels.
I have had hypothyroidism for about 9 years ( along with several other health issues).
I find I can lose weight maybe for a week on 1000 calories per day plus lots of exercise (I'm not endorsing this as correct - it's how I do it) - then I plateau and lose nothing for a couple of weeks.
Finally I seem to very slowly getting some consistent weight loss. I eat protein with every meal and lots of salad and vegetables. Carbs are a huge no no for me. I have some mini portions each week just for energy, but really limited.
If I do eat carbs - bran flakes for example it's at breakfast and I sprinkle flaked almonds on top for my protein and add some flaxseed for good measure. Then I have all day to burn it off. Likewise with fruit. I may have the odd piece in the pm but on the whole I try only to eat it in the morning. Lunch is salad and lean meat or fish and dinner is vegetables and lean meat or fish. When I plateau I increase my calories for about 3 days then drop back to my limit 1000 - 1200 calories per day. I know it is wrong not to eat back your exercise calories, but if I eat them back - no weight loss. I write everything down that I eat to the last grain and wear a heart rate monitor when I exercise so as not to over estimate my calories burned.
I'm not suggesting anyone should do this - I am just saying what is working for me
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robinketer533 wrote: »Have you gotten off Gluten? Rid your diet of this and you may see a change, it helped me and I also have hypothyroidism.
No. Unless you have a diagnosed medical condition that requires it, eliminate lt gluten is not needed to lose weight.
Agreed.
I will say, and I haven't tried it, that others who have been dealing with this longer than I have (YMMV) have said going low-carb with thyroid issues has been helpful when they couldn't budge weight.1 -
Asking this question is going to garner you SO many responses that will conflict with one another. The best way to move forward is to pick one answer path, research it to the best of your ability, then stay consistent with its application.
Here is my opinion/suggestion:
Hypothyroidism is tricky. Please find a doctor that will treat your symptoms, not your blood test levels. Your levels can be in the "normal" range, but that "normal" comparison group does not include a You. If You are feeling the effects of hypothyroidism and testing at a normal level, you are still in need of medication adjustment.
I took a look at your diary. As a person who has came from years and years and years of under-eating (and being fat the entire time while eating LESS), I can see what you're trying to do. High food volume to make you feel full for the least amount of calories possible. I know it seems counterintuitive, but our bodies need more than what you're giving yours - just to function daily. Your body is a machine. Without proper fueling, it's not going to function correctly. Sure, it will lose weight in the beginning ... every starving body will lose weight. And hair. And energy. Until the weight loss stops. And the only place to go is down; taking your calories to an even lower level or exercising at an even higher rate. Nothing about that sounds appealing nor is it feasible for a lifetime.
I stuck to ~1200 calories for YEARS. Sometimes even less. I tried exercising more, exercising less, high carb, low carb, high fat, low fat, ketosis, fasting, cardio, strength training, CrossFit, swimming, diet pills, diet drinks, etc., etc., etc. All the while, I was doing nothing but damage to my metabolism.
A few years ago, I found the Eat More 2 Weigh Less concept. There is a message board on here (search the boards) with all kinds of information and amazing people. There is also a website - www.em2wl.com. Initially I increased my calories following the guidelines and ... my weight went up. I freaked out! Then I talked to people who'd been through it. My body was holding onto those extra calories because I had been starving it for so long. Intrinsically, my body said, "Hey! I got more calories for more energy! I need to hoard those suckers for the next time I'm starving!" However, as time progressed, my body found that new normal of a higher caloric intake ... and began to release fat. I began losing weight while eating 2000-2300 calories. Prior to my current pregnancy, I was eating around that amount and training for my next Strongman competition. My weight loss was not as fast, but that's because I added in massive amounts of strength training. However, I can EAT and enjoy it! My workouts are because I love being active, I love lifting heavy, I love the people I train with and I love seeing what my body is capable of.
Best of luck to you! If you have questions, feel free to message me.4 -
DerangedPixi wrote: »
Care to explain why I'm wrong without the use of the false term "starvation mode"?6 -
I have it too and it is a slow process. Up your protein, take measurements as opposed to just weighing in and keep up the hard work. If you're feeling better, stronger, have more energy/stamina that should be your gauge. And keep talking to your endocrinologist regarding your health. You can do it!0
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Weigh your food, try eating more protein and fat. Try not eating back as many of your exercise calories.
But remember, even if your thyroid is your excuse, does that mean you give up? No, you'll have to work with what you got.2 -
DerangedPixi wrote: »
Care to explain why I'm wrong without the use of the false term "starvation mode"?
I can. "Starvation mode" is a coined term meant to simplify a concept. It's definitely misused and overused.
A person can eat too much or eat too little. They will either gain or lose weight. The specific calorie points for each differ from person-to-person as their metabolisms differ.
When a person eats well below their maintenance caloric level, they will initially lose weight. As their metabolism adjusts to this new, lower level of caloric intake, it will take either fewer calories or a higher exercise exertion to create a deficit - thus making it harder to lose fat. They may lose other things - muscle, bone density. (Sanity ... haha)
That's it in a nutshell.
To lose weight consistently, a smaller deficit must be created, along with maintenance (or higher) caloric intake days meant to assure your metabolic system that it should not adjust to a new, lower maintenance level.3 -
Weigh your food, try eating more protein and fat. Try not eating back as many of your exercise calories.
But remember, even if your thyroid is your excuse, does that mean you give up? No, you'll have to work with what you got.
Thyroid isn't an "excuse." It's an actual medical condition. That's a really nasty thing to say.
Of course you don't give up. Eating healthy and exercising are about more than the scale and the measuring tape. They're about overall quality of life and health. But we also do like to see the scale and the measuring tape move and it's frustrating when we do all the right things and they don't. And when they don't because of something we have no control over, it's maddening. Calling it an "excuse" is dismissive and rude.5 -
I too am hypothyroid! Have been on levothyroxine for 20 yrs now. Sometimes no matter what you do, your thyroid stimulating hormone makes it hard to lose weight! Why? Because its synthetic. Here's what I did. I had changed everything and yet to no result . By this I mean adding strength, cardio, tried every "diet" on earth! Your thyroid needs an extra boost from T3. Talk to your doctor. Bring in your food journal and exercise journal. Once I got the boost for my T3, (and my levels stayed in normal range) my weight started to decline! Hope this helps!5
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Thanks everyone....thinking I should make an appointment and see my doctor. I do feel better eating healthier and exercising, but I really can't fit into any of my clothes, so I get so discouraged.2
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I take thyroid meds every day and I was put on birth control pills 2 months ago, so I have A LOT going against me. I've still lost almost 30 pounds. IT'S HARD. IT TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT. YOU DON'T LOSE WEIGHT IN 2 MONTHS. I will be 50 in 3 months. NO EXCUSES. You know what my life is like? Don't eat after 7 pm. Stay under your calories. NEVER CHEAT ON YOUR DIET. Limit yourself to 100 g carbs, 150 g protein, 30 g sugar every day. Do one hour of cardio every day before your first meal, or 1 hour of cardio every night PLUS weight training. You need to SWEAT HARD for an hour. Drink 10 glasses of water every day. The only way to lose weight is to change your life FOREVER. On Mondays and Wednesdays I take 3 one-hour classes -- Zumba, Pilates and Bodypump. Google them. Everyone says, Oh, you look so good. Do you diet? NO. I CHANGED THE WAY I LIVE.4
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T3 has been huge for me. I had to switch to a natural dessicated thyroid med from Synthroid. My doc doubled my synthroid dose and saw zero difference in my free T3, and my TSH actually got worse. I don't convert T4 to T3 very well. I'm doing better now, but I'm still not optimal yet. I've found that my free T3 needs to be in the upper half to upper third of the lab's normal range. Check out the website Stop the Thyroid Madness. Exercise supposedly helps your thyroid's rate of conversion, as do some supplements. My doc has me on iodine and 10,000 IUs of vitamin D daily.
Hypothyroid isn't an excuse. I'm tall, have a fair amount of muscle, workout intensely, and maintain my weight on less than 1600 calories. Anything more and I gain. It is legitimately more difficult to lose weight with this. But possible, especially if you have a good doc to adjust your meds.5 -
It can be done I've lost a lot of weight but....
I don't lose as much weight as mfp says i should, what I mean is, if I set my profile to 0.75kg loss per week I probably only lose 0.5kg a week.
My TSH is very low in the normal range and my T4 is right at the top end of normal. If they are not, I don't lose. So don't take 'normal' as the answer listen to your body, are you truly symptom free? If you are not losing with a big deficit then probably not. So try and convince your gp to not just treat on blood results.
I also try not to eat back exercise cals and if I do its a max of 25% to increase the deficit. Also try and be as accurate with logging as humanly possible. 5kg away from target for me and I'm the same weight I was 20year ago now. Good luck, it will happen, persistence is key!1 -
Thanks everyone....thinking I should make an appointment and see my doctor. I do feel better eating healthier and exercising, but I really can't fit into any of my clothes, so I get so discouraged.
Let me cosign the recommendation to find an endocrinologist who will treat your symptoms, not just your condition. My endocrinologist keeps a very tight grip on my bloodwork, and as I lose weight she is only decreasing my meds slightly, not the whole way, to help me keep losing weight. I was classified as Obese Class 2, and have managed to decrease my bmi to 33.something. I'm still considered obese, but I am not done yet
It's possible to lose weight with hypothyroidism. Definitely talk to your dr and see what they say.
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