How do I lose weight with hypothyroidism

mom2BandD
mom2BandD Posts: 98 Member
edited September 30 in Health and Weight Loss
I have been bouncing around the scale from 177-185 lbs (I have a medium build /pear shape/ 5'7") for almost a year now and getting more than a little frustrated. :frown:

Early in the year this year I decided to increase my fruit and veggies intake, and virtually eliminate boxed foods and fast food. I also took up running. I had a break in my 3x a week running when I had a medical procedure done that did not allow me any exercise other than walking for 6-8 weeks. I have been running again for 3 weeks now. My weight just refuses to go down. I know this is likely due to my hypothyroidism and my metabolism being slow. I am medicated (Eltroxin).

So my recent target has been to keep my water intake high, exercise consistently, and I will be starting to eat several smaller meals in hopes of boosting my metabolism...which will lead to more weightloss hopefully.

Any ideas of what I can do would be appreciated. Are there any foods to avoid other than the obvious high fat, high cholesterol, sodium filled, greasy foods.

Replies

  • mesafford
    mesafford Posts: 56 Member
    I have hypothyroidism and have hit my goal weight. It is harder, even medicated. I know the doctors SAY if your meds are adjusted correctly it shouldn't be harder to lose weight, but I think it still is. But that being said I would still say my biggest piece of advice is do your bloodwork at least every 6 months to make sure you're medicine is keeping your levels in the right range. Because if your levels are out of wack it will just be that much harder. I do think more frequent, smaller meals is a good idea. Good luck! I totally understand!!!
  • Ge0rgiana
    Ge0rgiana Posts: 1,649 Member
    It sucks. I didn't lose weight until I got medicated, and only then when I started taking dessicated thyroid, NOT synthetic. I get my meds from Canada.

    I actually eat a diet moderately high in fat, mostly from olive oil, nuts, and eggs. Check out Mediterranean inspired diets and South Beach. If you tend to crave sweets / starches (and if you have hypothyroid disease you probably do because of the lovely things it does to your blood sugar), South Beach WILL straighten you out. Beyond the first month or so being a tad rough, it's a very flexible way of eating and focused on healthy food.

    Good luck, hon. I gained 40lbs in about 5 months while taking high-dose prescription speed, and I still have fairly unpleasant edema and have to be on a diuretic and keep my sodium intake down. Exercise is harder because of the fatigue and muscle weakness. I SO FEEL YOUR PAIN. :flowerforyou:
  • basschick
    basschick Posts: 3,502 Member
    Are you on medication for the hypothyroidism? I would think that should help and, if not, you should probably mention the difficulty losing weight to your dr. Maybe he/she can put you on something else. I take green tea extract tablets every day and that seems to give my metabolism a little boost.
  • misty589
    misty589 Posts: 319 Member
    I agree you should have your levels checked. In my family we do them every 3 months, because they fluctuate so much (my grandmother and aunt are hypo, and I only have half a thyroid)
  • I am curious about this too. I have went to several doctors and they tell me that I am "borderline hypo" but they won't give me any meds because my numbers are not "in the right range". I actually had one specialist tell me to accept the fact that I have to struggle to lose weight and move on. Of course she was about a size 2. Whatever.

    Here is what has worked for me so far = exercise and not eating over 1400 calories. I am lucky to lose 1/2 a pound a week. Sometimes I don't lose any. It is very frustrating - and after almost a year I have only lost 32 pounds. I have another 30 to go so I figure another year and I should reach my goal. I try to be upbeat but some weeks it is so hard to even be motivated and work so hard for just 1/2 pound.
  • MeadowSong
    MeadowSong Posts: 171 Member
    Have you checked your thyroid again--it can drop. Have you talked to your doctor? I just went in because I was extra tired and hair falling out--classic low thyroid (which by the way, I've had for 16 years) and it was a different hormone problem AND anemia! I have been going to a "menopause" doctor which my general phys recomended and he is very good at figuring out female problems. I am 45 now. I do know when I was younger and my kids were younger, it was harder to get a doctor to take me seriously when I said I was tired--"How could you NOT be" was the typical response. And there is probably some truth to that! But, seriously, when I was trying to lose weight about 12 years ago--the first time I got serious about it, I didn't think I'd be able to very well because Synthroid is just not the same as the real thing. However, I found that my problems were more of the "pilot error" type--I was underestimating my portion size and how often I snacked by way more than I care to admit. If you're not feeling bad--I'd go with checking my stats--measure, weigh food, read labels, and document, document, document.

    The other thing that has helped me is for me to decide that I am going to do what is right because it is right (eat right and take care of my health) and not just because I profit from it (look skinny). This means I eat right and count my portions whether or not I lose weight. I got stuck a year ago spring and ate 1200 calories (I weighed 190 at the time) and exercised at least 5 times a week for 6 WEEKS before ANY weight came off. But I had made a commitment to God that I was finished wasting my blessings and made an eight week commitment to NO DESERT AT ALL and 1200 cals and exercise. It was really hard, but I had been spoiling myself and making excuses for my behavior for too long and needed a "training camp" to get back into the "I can control myself" zone. That was a year and a half ago. I lost 20 lbs then (after the first 6 week s, at about 2 lbs a week--not quite such a strict diet) and then after a while 10 more. I have 20 more to go,and am starting on them now. Hang in there, you CAN make this work.
  • Ge0rgiana
    Ge0rgiana Posts: 1,649 Member
    I am curious about this too. I have went to several doctors and they tell me that I am "borderline hypo" but they won't give me any meds because my numbers are not "in the right range". I actually had one specialist tell me to accept the fact that I have to struggle to lose weight and move on. Of course she was about a size 2. Whatever.

    Here is what has worked for me so far = exercise and not eating over 1400 calories. I am lucky to lose 1/2 a pound a week. Sometimes I don't lose any. It is very frustrating - and after almost a year I have only lost 32 pounds. I have another 30 to go so I figure another year and I should reach my goal. I try to be upbeat but some weeks it is so hard to even be motivated and work so hard for just 1/2 pound.

    You have a thyroid problem. You need medication. Find a doctor who will treat you based on symptoms. This is total BS.
  • TCrawford70
    TCrawford70 Posts: 59 Member
    I started having hypo after having my daughter 6 yrs. ago. It took over a yr. until I found out it was my thyroid,after 45 lbs. My thyroid meds. have to be increased about once a year and after a couple of years figured out my thyroid does better on the high side of normal and my energy levels stay better. I still have to have it increased periodically but it helps. I have to account for every last morsel that I consume and I still struggle w/ the weight. I cannot do it with just staying under my calories, I have to do some sort of activity. I don't log all of my excercise or activities because they don't count unless I get my heart rate elevated. It's tough but hang in there. Each day I am accountable it gets a little easier and it is truly turning into a lifestyle.:flowerforyou:
  • summalovaable
    summalovaable Posts: 287 Member
    You can google types of foods to avoid, and when/ what to eat to maximize the absorption of your medicaton. I'm on synthroid, so this is best for me. If i were to give you the simplest break down it would be this:
    Foods to AVOID:
    -Highly processed carbs. You'll find a "lower" carb diet works best for us, just simply because of how our metabolisms work.
    -ANYTHING WITH SOY. I won't touch anything with soy because it completely counteracts the medication.
    -Cut back/ avoid any goitrogens. This includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower etc..
    -Do NOT consume any calcium, iron or high fibre foods within the first 4-5 hours of taking your medication.

    I'm sure I'm missing some other obvious points but of course I can't think of them! Hope this helps! It IS possible to lose weight with a thyroid condition you just have to work at it a little harder :) and try to become educated as much as you can on the subject! It'd be silly to gain weight eating healthy foods just because you didn't know.
  • mom2BandD
    mom2BandD Posts: 98 Member
    Thank you for all the information. I am on Eltroxin, I am due to get my bloodwork done again but as of 6 months ago it was stable and my dosage did not need to be changed. I had been getting bloodwork every 3-4 months when I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism (post partum, after my second child) and went to bloodwork every 6 months since my levels had been soThat be stable.

    The food tips are very helpful. I am going to easily be able to not consume broccoli or cauliflower or have only small amounts of it....though I will miss eating broccoli raw when the mood strikes me. No soy is easy I will just have to use lactase pills and have dairy or use rice or almond milk as a dairy substitute (I am lactose intolerant too). Avoiding calcium, iron and high fiber foods within the first 4-5 hrs is manageable as long as I have breakfast first and then take my pill.
  • Katie3784
    Katie3784 Posts: 543
    If you take medication, the symptoms of hypothyroidism(weight gain) should go away.
  • summalovaable
    summalovaable Posts: 287 Member
    http://www.appliedhealth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=400140&catid=89&Itemid=150

    Thats a little easier to follow then my messy post! lol
    Also, I don't know why i put synthroid, I'm on eltroxin as well
  • mk820
    mk820 Posts: 137 Member
    no broccoli or cauliflower? For real?
    Just about he time I started eating one or the other every day (at least 2 cups) I have stopped losing weight after doing well for 51/2 mo. I am hypothyroid as well.
  • sleepytexan
    sleepytexan Posts: 3,138 Member
    I and every woman on my dad's side of the family has or (in my case) has had Hashimoto's Disease (autoimmune hypothyroidism). I never had a significant weight problem (I think bc I have been an avid exerciser for most of my life--exercise was the only thing that really boosted by energy!).

    After 7 yrs on various thyyroid and narcolepsy meds, always tired and having experienced significant hair loss, eyebrow loss and gray skin, I found a fantastic, over the counter hypo supplement called Thytrophin PMG by Standard Process.

    It changed my life and energy level; I started it about 18 mos. ago during a time when my med, Armour, became unavailable in the US so I was desperate for something bc I was literally exhausted every day by noon. I got it from a chiropractor! Within a month or so, I felt better than I had in years and no longer had need for the narcolepsy med. a year later all my TSH levels were normal for the first time in years. Also, an ultrasound of my throat indicated no sign of Hashimoto's.

    It was truly a miracle for me, especially after having been told that I would need meds for the rest of my life, for me that was not the case.

    EDIT: I don't know if this supplement would help you lose weight, I only know that for me it restored my energy, well-being and skin and hair health. It is a bovine-derived amino acid. $12 for 90 tablets. good luck.

    blessings.
  • mom2BandD
    mom2BandD Posts: 98 Member
    I have not experienced and significant weight gain. But if I splurge and have a pizza dinner (1-2 slices) with garlic bread (2 strips) and chicken bites (3) and pop (1 can) my weight goes up by up to 3-5 lbs the next day and stays that way for a long time and I have to work my butt off to get that weight off (read 2 or more weeks of exercise). Now I am sure most of that is water weight. But I drink tons of water (8+ glasses a day, more when I sweat from exercise or because of the heat) and my hubby who eats the same thing as me and more gains nothing.

    I guess the lesson is do not splurge that much. Maybe I should just have water instead of pop, no bread sticks and maybe only 2 chicken bites (essentially chicken nuggets). OR Perhaps no splurging period. Blarg.

    Guess I am just frustrated.

    Thanks for reading this far.

    The supplement that was mentioned at the end of the thread sounds interesting but I would need to know alot more before taking something like that. Also, I am not sure that they carry that stuff here in Canada. The food inspection in this country is fairly rigorous for supplements.
  • TCrawford70
    TCrawford70 Posts: 59 Member
    I eat all veggies and have no issues w/ weight loss as long as I excercise and stay under my calories. I also take synthroid and the only thing my doctor and nutritionist told me to avoid was taking calcium with my meds. The carbs are where I am sensitive, as long as it comes fromveggies and limit fruits I am good.
  • seasonalvoodoo
    seasonalvoodoo Posts: 380 Member
    I have been on Synthroid for about 4-5 yrs. I have not had any issues losing weight, thus far and I eat pretty much everything, including those things on the 'avoid' list. I think if your levels are correct, you should not have too much of a problem dropping weight.

    I am also horrible about the not eating after my meds rule...I have coffee and breakfast about an hour after I take my pill and I do think you are supposed to wait longer than that, but my schedule does not permit it!
  • Sorry - this is gonna be kinda long. Feel free to skip this one. :)
    Ok, so here's my story...
    I have been symptomatic and everyone has suspected I'm hypothyroid pretty much my whole life, but until earlier this year, I always just tested "borderline" (like around 4.5 TSH). And my weight has pretty much always been a problem. A side note: I also have narcolepsy (NOT with cataplexy), and have been on medicine for that for a few years. I mention it because it does contribute some to my lack of energy, although I know where my energy level is with that medicine (still very low, but I can at least get up in the morning).

    NOW to my point - Hypothyroidism is the thing that actually got me motivated to start really focusing on losing weight. Or, treatment for it (Synthroid) did. At first, we were very encouraged because my TSH numbers responded very well to the Synthroid. After 2 months, I was where the Dr. wanted me to be, and have stayed there since. But here's the thing that really kicked me in the butt: Now my thyroid was apparently working at an unquestionably good level, but my symptoms did not improve. At first we gave it more time, but after 6 months, not only have my symptoms NOT improved, but my energy level has DEcreased, and I've GAINED about 30 lbs. (even through the summer where normally I'd lose a little, if anything). I know that is not normal. I'm even willing to accept that it's just a sucky coincidence, and I just can't figure out what made me suddenly gain so much. It's definitely staying suspect in the back of my mind, though, as maybe related to the thyroid treatment. There are just so many variables and unknowns, I have to at least try to be optimistic. I just can't be THAT abnormal.

    Anyway, so the Dr is fiddling with the treatment (tried adding T3 - no change; tried switching to Tirosint - so far, still no change after 3-4 weeks, but giving that a couple more weeks). She says, ok - so hypothyroidism isn't causing the symptoms. Maybe diabetes - but all the previous tests were absolutely normal. We do them again. Still absolutely normal. Not even borderline or "pre-diabetic." She's still considering having me try a diabetes medicine anyway.... I don't think I will. I can find plenty of sources that say some people in "normal" thyroid ranges might have hypothyroidism, but I can't find ANY that say some people within "normal" ranges for diabetes still might have diabetes.
    Anyway...
    As well as I have been able to understand, obesity seems to be just as dangerous as hypothyroidism, and contributes to a lot of the same symptoms. Both of them cause heart disease and low energy levels, right? Maybe obesity is worse, at least for me. I was, after all, only a little hypothyroid, but I am a lot overweight.

    My conclusion: Obesity (granted, maybe largely caused by 35 years of untreated hypothyroidism) is what's keeping my energy level abysmally low. Well, that and narcolepsy, but let's put that aside. I may never know why I started gaining weight when I started the thyroid treatment, but regardless, I can't afford to gain any more, so no matter how hard it is, I am now motivated to concentrate every scrap of energy that I can muster towards losing weight. Maybe, now that my thyroid is functioning right, it will even be easier to lose weight than it has been other times through my life. (it's always been hard, and I haven't tried for some time.) It's hard for everyone, but harder if you're thyroid isn't working well. I suspect I've never tried losing weight when I wasn't hypothyroid.
    So, to answer the question this thread poses: I am attempting to lose weight by reducing calories (at least at first), drinking more water, and becoming more active. And, regulating these three things more consistently. I know the really big change I need to make is being more active. And maybe, this time when I lose weight, since my thyroid is right, it'll be easier and reasonable to maintain, which is something I've never experienced. I was a healthy weight once, and maintained it for a few years, but that took very long hours of intense daily exercise and a very low-calorie diet to maintain. Despite the fact that thyroid treatment doesn't appear to have helped me in any way, yet, I remain optimistic. We'll see where I am in a couple years.

    The moral of my story: If you're hypothyroid, get treated. If for some reason you can't (like you're borderline and they won't treat you, no matter how much you push, or how many second opinions you get) and you have to work much harder than normal people to avoid gaining weight, then work that much harder. Whatever you do, avoid gaining weight (at the same time, be healthy about it). Obesity is worse than hypothyroidism, or at least a lot harder to treat. Good luck to you all!

    Now I just wish I could figure out why my hair is still falling out. Maybe I'm just getting too old. ;)

    P.S. - Since people are sharing what their Dr's told them about how to take thyroid medicine, here's what mine said: Take on an empty stomach (no food for at least 4-5 hours before hand - preferably take it after a full night's sleep). Take with a full glass of water. Do not take with other medicines unless Dr. says the other medicines are ok. Do not eat for at least 45 minutes afterwards, and don't take those other medicines (like vitamins, supplements & others mentioned above) until at least 4 or 5 hours after. That is consistent with everything I've read, too.
  • Arynamber
    Arynamber Posts: 162 Member
    I have Hypo as well and it SUCKS!! I am on Levothyroxin.. I have to work SO FRICKEN HARD for every pound lost. I tell this to people and sometimes they roll thier eyes.. I believe they think this is an excuse so IM SO GLAD I see others with this disease also having issues.

    For me I have noticed that Carbs and Sugars are HUGE in making me stay HUGE. lol.. I have experimented a lot with this and found the more I stay away from this the better I feel. I try to eat as clean as possible and I try and stay under 90 carbs a day.. even then attempt those carbs to be from healthy clean sources. this had made a VERY large impact. Also as Im sure you know.. stay away from Soy, Caluiflower, Broccoli.. foods with Iodine are also good.

    I have also heard that some Dr.s also prescrive people with Hypo some kind of medication to speed up metabolism..not sure what its called.. but sure wish mine would do it..
  • mom2BandD
    mom2BandD Posts: 98 Member
    A medication to speed up my metabolism, yes please. :) I will look into that for sure.

    So far the workouts 6x a week, plus 8+ glasses of water a day and eating reduced calorie (reduced sugar and salt) seems to be working. I am down to 166.1lbs. I am aiming to be below 160 by New Years. Though I am fine with my current size and just want to firm up.
  • StevLL
    StevLL Posts: 921 Member
    I'm on Levothyroxine, it keeps me in the low normal range as i'm on a small dose (50mg) I also supplement with Kelp and St. Johns Wort for energy and to stimulate my metabolism. It's hard but you are on the right track, clean up the food intake and more meals does work. Good luck.
  • mochaphobic
    mochaphobic Posts: 92 Member

    I am also horrible about the not eating after my meds rule...I have coffee and breakfast about an hour after I take my pill and I do think you are supposed to wait longer than that, but my schedule does not permit it!

    My pharmacist said that you need to take it on an empty stomach and wait 30-60 minutes before eating or drinking. I wasn't warned to stay away from anything food or drink-wise.

    I just started on Levothyroxine a couple months ago and for the first time in years I am able to focus on losing weight and staying with it. I just had blood work done last month and my psychiatrist called to say my levels are still very low. They improved but not much. However, I won't be adjusting my meds level until the next time I see him. I tried for years to get my regular doctor to prescribe something for me, especially with all the symptoms I have (among the regular ones, I have anxiety issues, cholesterol issues and am borderline diabetic and my bs numbers were rising (needless to say, high fiber is necessary and I can't go hours and hours between meals.) Since the test came back barely below the lower level for needing meds, they said I didn't need any. So my psych. prescribed it. Since then I am definitely feeling better and need to look for a new regular doctor I guess.

    Anyway, I don't have any answers, just here to support you.
  • carmenstop1
    carmenstop1 Posts: 210 Member
    I am curious about this too. I have went to several doctors and they tell me that I am "borderline hypo" but they won't give me any meds because my numbers are not "in the right range". I actually had one specialist tell me to accept the fact that I have to struggle to lose weight and move on. Of course she was about a size 2. Whatever.

    Here is what has worked for me so far = exercise and not eating over 1400 calories. I am lucky to lose 1/2 a pound a week. Sometimes I don't lose any. It is very frustrating - and after almost a year I have only lost 32 pounds. I have another 30 to go so I figure another year and I should reach my goal. I try to be upbeat but some weeks it is so hard to even be motivated and work so hard for just 1/2 pound.

    I was told the exact same thing, my levels are borderline and they dont want to put me on medication unless I am lower by my next blood test in 5 months! Very frustrated!
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