What is the best way to lose weight with a hypothyroid condition?

Question

Keep in mind my energy level has dropped to almost nothing and my appetite is viscious.

I am on synthroid, have been since I was 14 and I am 35 now, Dr. increases my med. when Hashmotos kicks in and decreases it when it settles down, he has decreased it right now And I have gained 14 pounds in 2 months!

Answer 1

It usually takes a couple months for your body to adjust to the thyroid meds, but the rapid weight gain/bloating is a signal that you are not getting enough thyroid hormone. You need to have your levels tested again and have the meds adjusted upward in small amounts. For example: If you were on 0.50mg and it wasn't enough, taper up to 0.75mg rather than 0.100mg. It sounds like your doc gave you too high a dose, then lowered it too much trying to compensate. Most of the weight loss and gain is actually fluid, not fat. If your face is bloated it is most likely water retention. I also lost 20lbs right off the bat after I was diagnosed. Within a couple years I gained it back and had symptoms again. I had my TSH level tested and had to increase the dose. I had no problems adjusting the dose and was not going up and down.
Losing weight will be almost impossible until you are on the proper amount of medication. One the toughest things to do while hypo is to exercise. If you can walk a little each day and try and restrict calories that may help some. Also, try limiting sodium to prevent bloating. Even though my TSH is normal now, I still have a really tough time losing weight. I have been drinking the SlimFast cans once or twice a day (180 calories each?) instead of breakfast and snacking and lost about 4 lbs in the last 2 weeks. When I really need a snack I eat the flavored mini rice cakes by Quaker for something crunchy. They have very little calories and are tasty. I also like the Dole or DelMonte fruit gel cups in the single serving sizes. They have them with reduced sugar, fat free and low-cal. The mandaring orange gel is the best. Good luck!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I am also hypothyroid. My Endocrinologist put me on the South Beach diet and I also have to do an hour of exercise a day. (I walk mostly) I have been hypo for 4 years. When I first went on Levoxyl, 4 summers ago. I lost 20 pounds right away without even trying. I have gained the 20 pounds back plus almost 10 more. The Endo doc told me, I have to work twice has hard as someone with a regular metabolism to loose this weight, which really stinks. My energy level is still not very good. I hope this helps. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I am assuming you take synthroid. It would be nice to take it in the morning. Your diet is also important. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Edit: So I was correct about Synthroid. Yea diet is very important. Take a multi-vitamin supplement and eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain bread. Go for a walk if you can. Don't focus on your weight so much than choosing a healthy lifestyle. I am eating an apple as I am typing this.... :)

Good Luck.

Answer 5

Well unfortunatley because of your condition, you really need to wait until your medication starts to work. It wilkl just wear youout if you exercise too much right now. Youcan do a short distance walk at a slow to moderate pace but be careful not to over do it.
your doctor can assist you with more of what you need to do because it depends on what your level is.
You will see a big difference once your levels are back to normal. The you can modify you food intake and exercise regime.

Answer 6

Avoid stocking unhealthy snacks at home

Answer 7

Walk in the morning and eat breakfast within an hour of waking

Answer 8

have your thyroid hormone levels been corrected yet?

if you're taking something like synthroid it's very important that you take it about an hour before you eat anything in the morning

Answer 9

do 250 breaststrokes about 10 minutes

Answer 10

Eat evry three to four hours to avoid temptations