Lose weight with hypothyroidism
Losing weight despite hypothyroidism is not easy, but 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 succeed in losing weight. Therefore, the first thing to do is to start taking the artificial thyroid hormone L-thyroxine under medical supervision. It replaces the missing endogenous hormones. This allows the metabolism to “speed up” again – the prerequisite for successful weight loss.
Have patience
Whether hypothyroidism is the reason for excess weight or other causes are behind it – anyone who wants to permanently reduce their weight needs patience. Because no matter how many energy reserves the body has accumulated on the hips, buttocks or thighs, it will resist weight loss. Behind this is a body function that was once important: In the past, it was vital for people to be able to quickly compensate for weight loss and maintain energy reserves.
Ask doctor for advice
Patients with excess weight due to hypothyroidism should seek advice from their physician if they are seeking to lose weight. How much weight loss is good depends, among other things, on the extent of the excess weight, the patient’s age and his or her health condition. Together, the doctor and patient can agree on a treatment goal – a weight to aim for – and consider how best to achieve it.
Proper diet and exercise
Healthy weight loss relies primarily on a good balance of diet and exercise. A doctor and/or dietitian can help create an appropriate meal plan. It should consist of a calorie-reduced but balanced and varied mixed diet. Individual likes and dislikes should be taken into account so that it is easier for the patient to stick to it.
Patients should discuss with an experienced physician or sports therapist which and how much exercise will best support weight loss in the case of hypothyroidism. Among other things, the current fitness level, any concomitant diseases and any health problems that the excess weight has already caused (for example, knee damage) play an important role.
