Had my metabolism tested - interesting results and some questions
Options
Replies
-
deannalfisher wrote: »leahcollett1 wrote: »MaineMom76 wrote: »Have you had your thyroid checked? Sorry if this has already been asked. At the start of the year I couldn't lose weight to save my life. I couldn't have been more diligent in my efforts, tracking, portioning, weighing EVERYTHING. To the gram.
Just got my blood work back. My thyroid is not functioning properly. With a little bit of medication, I have already begun losing.
I am hypothyroid and have been on medication since 2011. My levels were checked recently and are good.
can i ask what your levels are? mine are currently at 0.02 and im still struggling to lose weight
Thyroid only impacts your RMR/REE by ~5%. So if MFP is telling you that you have 1600 kcals in your daily budget - worse case would be that you have ~1520 kcals/day.
Normal TSH is 0.2 - 2.0 based upon the revision in 2002 by the Board of Endocrinologists.
For those with thyroid cancer standard protocol dictates that the patient maintain TSH as low as possible without being hyperthyroid to minimize the risk of recurrence.
I believe this range has been extended...because I was at TSH 3.5 and was told that was within the normal range (I just managed to convince my PCM that I felt better lower)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003684.htm - lists normal as:
Normal values range from 0.4 to 4.0 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L). but experts argue that it could be 2.5-4.0 for the upper limit
The normal results in adults 21-54 is 0.4 - 4.4 mIU/L. Children under 21 are just all over the place and those over 54 range to 0.5 - 9.0 mIU/L.
If you are symptomatic the narrowed range was tightened to 0.2-2.0 mIU/L in 2002 by the International Board.
So yes, you may feel perfectly normal and be at 4.0 mIU/L, while another may feel miserable at that level - this is more about what you are used to rather than what is "normal". This is why you need a full thyroid panel and review with an endocrinologist.
I'm on .175/.200 g alt day and averaging 0.03 mIU/L and I feel awesome.1 -
Y'all talking about Thyroid levels in the .02 range-- yeesh, mine is normal at 3.5, and it feels fine compared to what it is off meds..I've never seen it below 3.0 - makes me wonder if there is a whole new world of possibilities :P0
-
STLBADGIRL wrote: »I watched a BBC show comparing two besties and their metabolisms. One was underweight and the other overweight. They were both convinced the low BMI girl ate tons but just had a fast metabolism while the high BMI girl ate little but had a very low metabolism. They tested their metabolism and also secretly watched what they ingested.
Findings:
- nothing special about their metabolisms (like the OP)
- skinny girl underate and over estimated her calories in
- chunky girl overate and under estimated her calories in
Lesson - use a food scale and don't lie to myself/yourself when tracking
What show was this....awesome post.
Anyone know the name of this show or have a link? Would love to watch it!0 -
Mary_Anastasia wrote: »Y'all talking about Thyroid levels in the .02 range-- yeesh, mine is normal at 3.5, and it feels fine compared to what it is off meds..I've never seen it below 3.0 - makes me wonder if there is a whole new world of possibilities :P
I've been as high as 10.0 (ON MEDS!) and as low as 0.01, which felt hypo to me and is no fun either.
It's so tricky, seems like every time my weight changes I have to get my meds adjusted.
I definitely feel better at a 2.0 than I would without meds (lord knows where I'd be without meds), but I know I've felt way better in previous years when I was about 50 lbs lighter than I am now.0 -
STLBADGIRL wrote: »I watched a BBC show comparing two besties and their metabolisms. One was underweight and the other overweight. They were both convinced the low BMI girl ate tons but just had a fast metabolism while the high BMI girl ate little but had a very low metabolism. They tested their metabolism and also secretly watched what they ingested.
Findings:
- nothing special about their metabolisms (like the OP)
- skinny girl underate and over estimated her calories in
- chunky girl overate and under estimated her calories in
Lesson - use a food scale and don't lie to myself/yourself when tracking
What show was this....awesome post.
Jump to about 7:15 for when they compare the two friends, the whole segment is good though.
The Truth About Food- How to be Slim (BBC Documentary Series)
2 -
deannalfisher wrote: »leahcollett1 wrote: »MaineMom76 wrote: »Have you had your thyroid checked? Sorry if this has already been asked. At the start of the year I couldn't lose weight to save my life. I couldn't have been more diligent in my efforts, tracking, portioning, weighing EVERYTHING. To the gram.
Just got my blood work back. My thyroid is not functioning properly. With a little bit of medication, I have already begun losing.
I am hypothyroid and have been on medication since 2011. My levels were checked recently and are good.
can i ask what your levels are? mine are currently at 0.02 and im still struggling to lose weight
Thyroid only impacts your RMR/REE by ~5%. So if MFP is telling you that you have 1600 kcals in your daily budget - worse case would be that you have ~1520 kcals/day.
Normal TSH is 0.2 - 2.0 based upon the revision in 2002 by the Board of Endocrinologists.
For those with thyroid cancer standard protocol dictates that the patient maintain TSH as low as possible without being hyperthyroid to minimize the risk of recurrence.
I believe this range has been extended...because I was at TSH 3.5 and was told that was within the normal range (I just managed to convince my PCM that I felt better lower)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003684.htm - lists normal as:
Normal values range from 0.4 to 4.0 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L). but experts argue that it could be 2.5-4.0 for the upper limit
The normal results in adults 21-54 is 0.4 - 4.4 mIU/L. Children under 21 are just all over the place and those over 54 range to 0.5 - 9.0 mIU/L.
If you are symptomatic the narrowed range was tightened to 0.2-2.0 mIU/L in 2002 by the International Board.
So yes, you may feel perfectly normal and be at 4.0 mIU/L, while another may feel miserable at that level - this is more about what you are used to rather than what is "normal". This is why you need a full thyroid panel and review with an endocrinologist.
I'm on .175/.200 g alt day and averaging 0.03 mIU/L and I feel awesome.
My last endo screwed up my mess (switched me from Levo to Synthroid, and wouldn't switch me back and since my numbers were in range wouldn't adjust dose
Changed insurance, new doc, back to Levo and dose adjustment - night and day difference0 -
My last TSH was 1.19. That is on 150mcg of Synthroid. I fluctuate a bit, but as long as I'm close to 1, I'm ok. I prefer to be a bit more on the hyper side, but my thyroid has a hard time staying under 1.deannalfisher wrote: »deannalfisher wrote: »leahcollett1 wrote: »MaineMom76 wrote: »Have you had your thyroid checked? Sorry if this has already been asked. At the start of the year I couldn't lose weight to save my life. I couldn't have been more diligent in my efforts, tracking, portioning, weighing EVERYTHING. To the gram.
Just got my blood work back. My thyroid is not functioning properly. With a little bit of medication, I have already begun losing.
I am hypothyroid and have been on medication since 2011. My levels were checked recently and are good.
can i ask what your levels are? mine are currently at 0.02 and im still struggling to lose weight
Thyroid only impacts your RMR/REE by ~5%. So if MFP is telling you that you have 1600 kcals in your daily budget - worse case would be that you have ~1520 kcals/day.
Normal TSH is 0.2 - 2.0 based upon the revision in 2002 by the Board of Endocrinologists.
For those with thyroid cancer standard protocol dictates that the patient maintain TSH as low as possible without being hyperthyroid to minimize the risk of recurrence.
I believe this range has been extended...because I was at TSH 3.5 and was told that was within the normal range (I just managed to convince my PCM that I felt better lower)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003684.htm - lists normal as:
Normal values range from 0.4 to 4.0 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L). but experts argue that it could be 2.5-4.0 for the upper limit
The normal results in adults 21-54 is 0.4 - 4.4 mIU/L. Children under 21 are just all over the place and those over 54 range to 0.5 - 9.0 mIU/L.
If you are symptomatic the narrowed range was tightened to 0.2-2.0 mIU/L in 2002 by the International Board.
So yes, you may feel perfectly normal and be at 4.0 mIU/L, while another may feel miserable at that level - this is more about what you are used to rather than what is "normal". This is why you need a full thyroid panel and review with an endocrinologist.
I'm on .175/.200 g alt day and averaging 0.03 mIU/L and I feel awesome.
My last endo screwed up my mess (switched me from Levo to Synthroid, and wouldn't switch me back and since my numbers were in range wouldn't adjust dose
Changed insurance, new doc, back to Levo and dose adjustment - night and day difference
I'm confused - Synthroid is just the name brand, so why were you feeling so different on what I'm assuming is Levoxyl?0 -
MaineMom76 wrote: »My last TSH was 1.19. That is on 150mcg of Synthroid. I fluctuate a bit, but as long as I'm close to 1, I'm ok. I prefer to be a bit more on the hyper side, but my thyroid has a hard time staying under 1.deannalfisher wrote: »deannalfisher wrote: »leahcollett1 wrote: »MaineMom76 wrote: »Have you had your thyroid checked? Sorry if this has already been asked. At the start of the year I couldn't lose weight to save my life. I couldn't have been more diligent in my efforts, tracking, portioning, weighing EVERYTHING. To the gram.
Just got my blood work back. My thyroid is not functioning properly. With a little bit of medication, I have already begun losing.
I am hypothyroid and have been on medication since 2011. My levels were checked recently and are good.
can i ask what your levels are? mine are currently at 0.02 and im still struggling to lose weight
Thyroid only impacts your RMR/REE by ~5%. So if MFP is telling you that you have 1600 kcals in your daily budget - worse case would be that you have ~1520 kcals/day.
Normal TSH is 0.2 - 2.0 based upon the revision in 2002 by the Board of Endocrinologists.
For those with thyroid cancer standard protocol dictates that the patient maintain TSH as low as possible without being hyperthyroid to minimize the risk of recurrence.
I believe this range has been extended...because I was at TSH 3.5 and was told that was within the normal range (I just managed to convince my PCM that I felt better lower)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003684.htm - lists normal as:
Normal values range from 0.4 to 4.0 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L). but experts argue that it could be 2.5-4.0 for the upper limit
The normal results in adults 21-54 is 0.4 - 4.4 mIU/L. Children under 21 are just all over the place and those over 54 range to 0.5 - 9.0 mIU/L.
If you are symptomatic the narrowed range was tightened to 0.2-2.0 mIU/L in 2002 by the International Board.
So yes, you may feel perfectly normal and be at 4.0 mIU/L, while another may feel miserable at that level - this is more about what you are used to rather than what is "normal". This is why you need a full thyroid panel and review with an endocrinologist.
I'm on .175/.200 g alt day and averaging 0.03 mIU/L and I feel awesome.
My last endo screwed up my mess (switched me from Levo to Synthroid, and wouldn't switch me back and since my numbers were in range wouldn't adjust dose
Changed insurance, new doc, back to Levo and dose adjustment - night and day difference
I'm confused - Synthroid is just the name brand, so why were you feeling so different on what I'm assuming is Levoxyl?
Because even though they are notionally the same my body reacts differently - it's the only thing that changed lifestyle wise - I gains 10lbs, was losing my hair, hot flashes, sleeping like crap; back on Levo and that stuff disappeared
Apparently thyroid mess are the one type of medicine where it's not recommended to switch between generic and brand even if they are notionally the same0 -
deannalfisher wrote: »MaineMom76 wrote: »My last TSH was 1.19. That is on 150mcg of Synthroid. I fluctuate a bit, but as long as I'm close to 1, I'm ok. I prefer to be a bit more on the hyper side, but my thyroid has a hard time staying under 1.deannalfisher wrote: »deannalfisher wrote: »leahcollett1 wrote: »MaineMom76 wrote: »Have you had your thyroid checked? Sorry if this has already been asked. At the start of the year I couldn't lose weight to save my life. I couldn't have been more diligent in my efforts, tracking, portioning, weighing EVERYTHING. To the gram.
Just got my blood work back. My thyroid is not functioning properly. With a little bit of medication, I have already begun losing.
I am hypothyroid and have been on medication since 2011. My levels were checked recently and are good.
can i ask what your levels are? mine are currently at 0.02 and im still struggling to lose weight
Thyroid only impacts your RMR/REE by ~5%. So if MFP is telling you that you have 1600 kcals in your daily budget - worse case would be that you have ~1520 kcals/day.
Normal TSH is 0.2 - 2.0 based upon the revision in 2002 by the Board of Endocrinologists.
For those with thyroid cancer standard protocol dictates that the patient maintain TSH as low as possible without being hyperthyroid to minimize the risk of recurrence.
I believe this range has been extended...because I was at TSH 3.5 and was told that was within the normal range (I just managed to convince my PCM that I felt better lower)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003684.htm - lists normal as:
Normal values range from 0.4 to 4.0 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L). but experts argue that it could be 2.5-4.0 for the upper limit
The normal results in adults 21-54 is 0.4 - 4.4 mIU/L. Children under 21 are just all over the place and those over 54 range to 0.5 - 9.0 mIU/L.
If you are symptomatic the narrowed range was tightened to 0.2-2.0 mIU/L in 2002 by the International Board.
So yes, you may feel perfectly normal and be at 4.0 mIU/L, while another may feel miserable at that level - this is more about what you are used to rather than what is "normal". This is why you need a full thyroid panel and review with an endocrinologist.
I'm on .175/.200 g alt day and averaging 0.03 mIU/L and I feel awesome.
My last endo screwed up my mess (switched me from Levo to Synthroid, and wouldn't switch me back and since my numbers were in range wouldn't adjust dose
Changed insurance, new doc, back to Levo and dose adjustment - night and day difference
I'm confused - Synthroid is just the name brand, so why were you feeling so different on what I'm assuming is Levoxyl?
Because even though they are notionally the same my body reacts differently - it's the only thing that changed lifestyle wise - I gains 10lbs, was losing my hair, hot flashes, sleeping like crap; back on Levo and that stuff disappeared
Apparently thyroid mess are the one type of medicine where it's not recommended to switch between generic and brand even if they are notionally the same
Wow, I had no idea! I knew it was best to be on brand name because even tiny variations in the generic versions could throw you off, but I figured all the brand name stuff was the same. Thanks for the info!0 -
deannalfisher wrote: »MaineMom76 wrote: »My last TSH was 1.19. That is on 150mcg of Synthroid. I fluctuate a bit, but as long as I'm close to 1, I'm ok. I prefer to be a bit more on the hyper side, but my thyroid has a hard time staying under 1.deannalfisher wrote: »deannalfisher wrote: »leahcollett1 wrote: »MaineMom76 wrote: »Have you had your thyroid checked? Sorry if this has already been asked. At the start of the year I couldn't lose weight to save my life. I couldn't have been more diligent in my efforts, tracking, portioning, weighing EVERYTHING. To the gram.
Just got my blood work back. My thyroid is not functioning properly. With a little bit of medication, I have already begun losing.
I am hypothyroid and have been on medication since 2011. My levels were checked recently and are good.
can i ask what your levels are? mine are currently at 0.02 and im still struggling to lose weight
Thyroid only impacts your RMR/REE by ~5%. So if MFP is telling you that you have 1600 kcals in your daily budget - worse case would be that you have ~1520 kcals/day.
Normal TSH is 0.2 - 2.0 based upon the revision in 2002 by the Board of Endocrinologists.
For those with thyroid cancer standard protocol dictates that the patient maintain TSH as low as possible without being hyperthyroid to minimize the risk of recurrence.
I believe this range has been extended...because I was at TSH 3.5 and was told that was within the normal range (I just managed to convince my PCM that I felt better lower)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003684.htm - lists normal as:
Normal values range from 0.4 to 4.0 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L). but experts argue that it could be 2.5-4.0 for the upper limit
The normal results in adults 21-54 is 0.4 - 4.4 mIU/L. Children under 21 are just all over the place and those over 54 range to 0.5 - 9.0 mIU/L.
If you are symptomatic the narrowed range was tightened to 0.2-2.0 mIU/L in 2002 by the International Board.
So yes, you may feel perfectly normal and be at 4.0 mIU/L, while another may feel miserable at that level - this is more about what you are used to rather than what is "normal". This is why you need a full thyroid panel and review with an endocrinologist.
I'm on .175/.200 g alt day and averaging 0.03 mIU/L and I feel awesome.
My last endo screwed up my mess (switched me from Levo to Synthroid, and wouldn't switch me back and since my numbers were in range wouldn't adjust dose
Changed insurance, new doc, back to Levo and dose adjustment - night and day difference
I'm confused - Synthroid is just the name brand, so why were you feeling so different on what I'm assuming is Levoxyl?
Because even though they are notionally the same my body reacts differently - it's the only thing that changed lifestyle wise - I gains 10lbs, was losing my hair, hot flashes, sleeping like crap; back on Levo and that stuff disappeared
Apparently thyroid mess are the one type of medicine where it's not recommended to switch between generic and brand even if they are notionally the same
yeah my daughters endo told her to get the same script at the same drugstore to make sure its not different. she said some meds add different ingredients than others so and people can react to those different ingredients.0 -
I just don't buy that your basal metabolic rate is 1800 cal a day. That's HIGH. I'm 5'6"/160, 38 years old, and my basal metabolic rate at testing is just over 1400. I don't think your machine was calibrated correctly, and I question the advice of the person who tested you. Was the person a bariatrician or some other kind of physician? If not, I would not trust their estimate of what you should eat, especially considering the hypothyroid factor.0
-
She tested exactly what the MFP BMR calculator says. The last thing she needs is to spend more money getting the exact same number again.annieberical wrote: »I just don't buy that your basal metabolic rate is 1800 cal a day. That's HIGH. I'm 5'6"/160, 38 years old, and my basal metabolic rate at testing is just over 1400. I don't think your machine was calibrated correctly, and I question the advice of the person who tested you. Was the person a bariatrician or some other kind of physician? If not, I would not trust their estimate of what you should eat, especially considering the hypothyroid factor.4 -
annieberical wrote: »I just don't buy that your basal metabolic rate is 1800 cal a day. That's HIGH. I'm 5'6"/160, 38 years old, and my basal metabolic rate at testing is just over 1400. I don't think your machine was calibrated correctly, and I question the advice of the person who tested you. Was the person a bariatrician or some other kind of physician? If not, I would not trust their estimate of what you should eat, especially considering the hypothyroid factor.
She weighs 50% more than you, but you don't think her BMR should be higher?5 -
SusanMFindlay wrote: »annieberical wrote: »I just don't buy that your basal metabolic rate is 1800 cal a day. That's HIGH. I'm 5'6"/160, 38 years old, and my basal metabolic rate at testing is just over 1400. I don't think your machine was calibrated correctly, and I question the advice of the person who tested you. Was the person a bariatrician or some other kind of physician? If not, I would not trust their estimate of what you should eat, especially considering the hypothyroid factor.
She weighs 50% more than you, but you don't think her BMR should be higher?
And the OP is 2" taller!1 -
annieberical wrote: »I just don't buy that your basal metabolic rate is 1800 cal a day. That's HIGH. I'm 5'6"/160, 38 years old, and my basal metabolic rate at testing is just over 1400. I don't think your machine was calibrated correctly, and I question the advice of the person who tested you. Was the person a bariatrician or some other kind of physician? If not, I would not trust their estimate of what you should eat, especially considering the hypothyroid factor.
And people wonder why I don't visit the community forums very often.4 -
annieberical wrote: »I just don't buy that your basal metabolic rate is 1800 cal a day. That's HIGH. I'm 5'6"/160, 38 years old, and my basal metabolic rate at testing is just over 1400. I don't think your machine was calibrated correctly, and I question the advice of the person who tested you. Was the person a bariatrician or some other kind of physician? If not, I would not trust their estimate of what you should eat, especially considering the hypothyroid factor.
and I'm 3 inches shorter, 10lbs less and my BMR is in the high 1400's (1492 when I had it done a couple of months ago)...just because your number is one thing, doesn't mean that is the same for everyone3 -
I just saw the third post you created about your metabolism I think a lot of people have been posting helpful information btw...0
-
xchocolategirl wrote: »I just saw the third post you created about your metabolism I think a lot of people have been posting helpful information btw...
The third post?
People definitely have been posting helpful info and I'm grateful for the ones who have been!0 -
I just wanted to give people a little update:
I decided to try a different kind of system so I'm following a clean eating portion control plan that uses containers to track food instead of weighing/measuring calories, etc. It puts me in a range of 1800-2099 calories so I'm not eating the exact same amount every day. I actually feel a lot better and finally broke my plateau.
Ironic that not being as precise is actually helping me! I really like that I am eating healthier but I'm not struggling as much, and whatever macros ratio they have built into the program, my body really likes!
Thanks!2 -
MaineMom76 wrote: »I just wanted to give people a little update:
I decided to try a different kind of system so I'm following a clean eating portion control plan that uses containers to track food instead of weighing/measuring calories, etc. It puts me in a range of 1800-2099 calories so I'm not eating the exact same amount every day. I actually feel a lot better and finally broke my plateau.
Ironic that not being as precise is actually helping me! I really like that I am eating healthier but I'm not struggling as much, and whatever macros ratio they have built into the program, my body really likes!
Thanks!
The irony is that to break your plateau you are actually eating less but mentally you are not tracking. Just be aware that when you get towards your goal, the inaccuracies of containers will make maintaining a deficit harder.4
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 391.7K Introduce Yourself
- 43.5K Getting Started
- 259.7K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.6K Food and Nutrition
- 47.3K Recipes
- 232.3K Fitness and Exercise
- 394 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.7K Motivation and Support
- 7.8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.3K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 948 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.3K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions