Hypothyroidism - Losing weight
Martina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.
The lack of thyroid hormones, which occurs with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), slows down almost all metabolic processes in the body. Therefore, an underactive thyroid often triggers weight gain, even if the affected patients eat little. In addition, there is an increased accumulation of fluid between the organs and cells (interstitium). This also increases body weight.
ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. E89E06E03E00
Lose weight with hypothyroidism
Losing weight despite an underactive thyroid is not easy, but it is still possible. The combination of different approaches helps:
Take thyroid hormones
As long as the cause of the unwanted weight gain - the lack of thyroid hormones - is not eliminated, people with hypothyroidism will hardly be able to lose weight. The first thing to do is to start taking the artificial thyroid hormone L-thyroxine under the guidance of a doctor. It replaces the body's missing hormones. This enables the metabolism to be “accelerated” again - the prerequisite for successful weight loss.
have patience
Whether an underactive thyroid is the reason for the obesity or there are other causes behind it - those who want to permanently reduce their weight need patience. Because no matter how many energy reserves the body has accumulated on the hips, buttocks or thighs, it will defend itself against weight loss. Behind this is an originally important body function: In the past, it was vital for people to be able to compensate for weight loss quickly and to maintain energy reserves.
Therefore, fashion diets that promise weight loss in a very short time are also nonsensical: the kilos do drop quickly, but are usually just as quickly "on the hips" again.
Ask a doctor for advice
Patients who are overweight due to an underactive thyroid should seek advice from their doctor if they are trying to lose weight. How much weight loss is good depends, among other things, on the degree of obesity, the age of the patient and his or her health. The doctor and patient can jointly agree on a treatment goal - i.e. a target weight - and consider how this can best be achieved.
Proper diet and exercise
Healthy weight loss is primarily based on a good balance of diet and exercise. Your doctor and / or nutritionist can help you plan a suitable meal plan. It should consist of a reduced-calorie, but balanced and varied mixed diet. Individual likes and dislikes should be taken into account to make it easier for the patient to adhere to them.
Patients should discuss with an experienced doctor or sports therapist which and how much sport best supports weight loss with hypothyroidism in individual cases. The current fitness level, any accompanying illnesses and health problems that the obesity has already caused (e.g. knee damage) play an important role. When creating the training program, sports or forms of movement should also be selected that are gentle on the joints and spine and are fun for the patient. This applies to people without thyroid problems as well as to those with hypothyroidism: Losing weight requires regular and consistent exercise, and if you enjoy it, it is easier to stick to it.
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