Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

For awhile I had problems losing weight no matter what I did and got so discouraged. Then I found out I had hypothyroidism and was put on meds. Now that I'm on them and it's regulated (which took forever) I'm losing weight, but it was definitely a battle before. I've made lots of changes like cutting out most beverages, I drink mostly water now and haven't touched soda in months. I also cut out fast food except for the occasional relapse. I eat more fruits and vegetables and overall healthier food. I also began working out 5x a week at least and it all seems to be helping so far.

Are you on medication? I'm on Armour Thyroid, once I started that, the weight started coming off pretty easily. Also dieting and working out too though, the meds alone wont make you lose weight.

I also take medicine for this. And at first you need to have your levels checked so make sure you don't miss those appts. I also drink lots of water. I appreciate the advice of the others on cutting back on starches etc. I have lost almost 30lbs and workout 5x a week. I need to lose another 70 so I need to try harder to watch those bad carbs.
Don't be discouraged. The medicine for hypothyroidism works. However, it is very sensitive. Don't take a multi-vitamin within 4 hours of taking you thyroid med...it won't be absorbed and you will feel even more tired. This happened to me until I did some research and figured it out. Use this site to help there is a lot of support here! You can do it!:flowerforyou:

I had sub-clinical hypothyroidism due to starvation. I have found that pacing intake to every 2 hours or so has boosted it, and I also started taking a low dose thyroid treatment. It really just depends on whether or not you want to take medication for it. If you truly have hypo, your doctor should have discussed this with you. If you are just assuming that's the problem, that is not a good thing to do because it may be a behavioral problem and if that's the case, no amount of adjusting for the disease will help because that's not the problem.

If your doctor diagnosed you without doing any bloodwork, then find another doctor, or ask to have the assumption confirmed by bloodwork. If you have had it done and they said it was lower but still considered normal, that means you need to up your exercise and eating pattern. Both of these will speed a low but normal metabolism.

What "Lizard053 " said is exactly the way to do it! I have been on MFP for 8 months and only lost 10 lbs. all of which was lost the first 2 months, then I turnd Hypo ( I have Hashimoto's and I was in a hyper phase in the summer) around Oct. because thats when I stopped losing, but I have lost several inches . I got on Levothyroxine when my labs came back saying I was hypo in Nov. 2011, Finally I was put on meds , My dr. wouldnt while I was hyper ( no I didnt lose any weight and I was tired all the time too) I havent lost any weight since being on meds but Im less tired, I have been slacking lately though and thats something you cant do when your hypo. The only thing thats has kept my energy up and my weight stable is exercising 5-6 days a week, I have done 2 Jillian Michaels DVD's , zumba, Brazil butt lift, and walking almost everyday, also I have started running, I think it helps us hypo's doing lots of cardio. I have heard if your hypo take off 200 calories of your daily calorie goal. I have realized lately though its not a choice for me to eat bad foods, I HAVE to eat healthy or I will feel terrible, bottom line. Today is the first day of me again cutting out ALL pasta, bread etc. and sweets. I have to or I will never lose. I am still hypo (had labs on 1/24/12) So it will be hard but soon I will be regulated (hopefully) . You can do it , if u do everything right and still dont lose , thats OK maintaining with hypo is a good thing too, if your on meds it will take awhile before you are not hypo, Hang in There eat right , burn calories and get your sleep. Im part of the "hyper and hypothyroid group" on MFP you should join!

I'm hypo and am on Levothyroxine. I've lost 14 lbs since January 7th but I've quit all carbonated drinks, watch my starches and work out 5 to 6 days a week. If I don't work out that often I feel like crap and can tell a huge difference in my energy level. I do Zumba, walking and elliptical mostly but throw in Yoga and Pilates on occasion. I want to say a huge thank you to those who have given tips about the multi-vitamin and soy products. I had no clue!

I am hypothyroid. I was able to lose a whole bunch of weight, even untreated. The key is being meticulous, exercise and lots of water. You're tired all the time, but exercise can help you get more energy. You don't metabolize food quickly, so you need to be extra careful about logging everything you eat.
A diet, that works for most people who have hypothyroidism, is to eat balanced meals, leaning towards more protein, but avoid the starches. They are hardest for us to process. Lots of colorful fruits and vegetables. Lean meats. No fast food. Very little bread, pasta or potato. It's what I do. I feel better not eating starches and have more energy for my workouts.
Also, try to avoid soy. It messes with thyroid meds. Soy is everywhere, and the only soy that's okay is soy sauce. Being fermented, soy sauce doesn't have the chemicals that mess with the meds.
Hope this is helpful!

you mean soya? i have soya milk everyday and don't eat meat

Not good! Soy have isoflavones which are phytoestrogen. They mess with your estrogen levels and can cause health issues.

I had Graves disease and then radiation which made me hypothyroid. Make sure as you are losing weight, you have your TSH levels checked every 6 weeks or so. Because you are dieting and exercising your dosage of synthroid may need to be adjusted (if you are on it). I only lost 5 lbs, but because of the change in my eating and activity I have had to lower my dosage already. Also, if you are having trouble losing weight, try eating smaller meals more frequently during the day. This will speed up your metabolism without your body having to work as hard to break down the foods. Exercise regularly and drink plenty of fluids. Hope this helps!! Keep me posted!!