Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

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Worried...

mbferraris
mbferraris Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Social Groups
I've had hypothyroidism for several years and haven't had problems with weight gain until the past year. No matter how much I diet and exercise...it doesn't seem to affect weightloss much and then I get super discouraged. My meds have been increased recently so my question is... Is it possible to lose weight without starving myself once the TSH level is up to par?

Any input is greatly appreciated. I'm very grumpy and upset about this extra 15# and am worried I'll pack on more weight :(

Thanks!

Replies

  • shar0006
    shar0006 Posts: 19 Member
    Yes, I had this problem as well, just let your body accumulate to the level it needs, if you still are having problems you may need to talk to your doctor. Also not sure if you are consuming enough calories, remember if your body is in "starvation" mode then it won't burn calories it will continue to store them, but I'm sure since you are on MFP that this is not the case.

    I was on meds for a quite some time before someone reminded me not to consume dairy after taking my meds because calcium blocks them. Once I stopped taking a calicum supplement in the morning I started to notice a difference. Again, hope this helps but keep your chin up.
  • lmelangley
    lmelangley Posts: 1,039 Member
    The answer is yes!!! I've been on meds for about 10 years and have been stable for probably the last 4. I lost weight without starving, and without cutting anything out of my diet. All I did was eat within my calories and modify what I was eating to satisfy myself as much as possible. I started looking at cheese and peanut butter more as treats and was really careful with bread products. I increased my vegetable consumption exponentially - roasted broccoli rocks! And, although it was hard, I tried to be patient. My goal was to lose a pound a week but I was closer to 3 pounds a month. I plateaued twice, and each time I rebounded by upping my calories for a couple of days. I discovered I have to eat at least 1300 calories to lose.

    The most important thing to remember is that we're all different "works in progress", and what works for one person may or may not work for another. But, you can lose weight if you're patient.:flowerforyou:
  • SummerSkier
    SummerSkier Posts: 5,233 Member
    It also might be more about getting older than about the hypo.... I am a veteran dieter and every time I lost the same 20 pounds it took longer and longer. The past 2 years, it seemed like no matter how much I worked out or "dieted" I just hung out at the same weight. Buttt.... with MFP and being able to track my calories and exercise more closely, it has finally come off. Imelangley is correct. You just have to be patient.

    We got a double whammy. Age = slower metabolism and Thyroid = all screwed up. LOL

    SummerSkier
  • NicolioRussell
    NicolioRussell Posts: 273
    I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease at the age of 9; and after that, my thyroid was shrunken down with radioactive iodine. I suppose I am a long time sufferer of hypothyroidism.

    Anyways, I recently (within the last 2 years) had to have my medicine dosage increased twice. It wasn't too long after I was declared "stable" again that I started to work to lose weight. My doctor suggested that for my height and weight (5'4", 308 pounds) to eat a 1500 calorie diet.

    I've found that I actually do really well. If I go below 1500, I stall out. If I get closer to 2,000 I really just maintain. It seems as though I have somewhat of a sweet spot. I've also found that eating spinach and other green vegetables helps me to lose faster (while also staying away from rice and pasta).

    I've had months where I lose nothing, and months where I lose 10+ pounds. It's really a balancing act.
  • tecallahan
    tecallahan Posts: 732 Member
    I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease at the age of 9; and after that, my thyroid was shrunken down with radioactive iodine. I suppose I am a long time sufferer of hypothyroidism.

    Anyways, I recently (within the last 2 years) had to have my medicine dosage increased twice. It wasn't too long after I was declared "stable" again that I started to work to lose weight. My doctor suggested that for my height and weight (5'4", 308 pounds) to eat a 1500 calorie diet.

    I've found that I actually do really well. If I go below 1500, I stall out. If I get closer to 2,000 I really just maintain. It seems as though I have somewhat of a sweet spot. I've also found that eating spinach and other green vegetables helps me to lose faster (while also staying away from rice and pasta).

    I've had months where I lose nothing, and months where I lose 10+ pounds. It's really a balancing act.

    ^^^^ This is great and so true -- we each have a sweet spot -- if your meds are optimized and your adrenals are ok and you are eating healthy, drinking water and exercising - you should lose weight. It's a matter of finding the combination of how many calories you can eat while exercising and still lose weight. If you stop exercising, you have to drop the calories.

    I have spent many years trying to lose weight and exercising like a fiend and not losing a pound!... and I think my mistake has been not eating enough -- but the "sweet spot" is probably a narrow band of calories -- so if 1200 doesn't work, go up to 1300 and wait a couple of weeks for your body to adjust and see if it believes you (that you aren't starving it) and starts to drop the weight. If that doesn't work and you are still maintaining, go up another 100. But you have to give it a couple of weeks and not freak out if you gain a little the first few days.
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