There are several causes for weight gain including hormonal causes. One of the most common endocrine problems known to result in weight gain is hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid.
Most common cause for hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune condition. There are other causes for hypothyroidism.
Why do people with underactive thyroid gain weight?
People struggle to lose weight with hypothyroidism due to several reasons, some of which are mentioned below:
- Tiredness
- Lack of motivation
- Slow metabolism
- Low mood
- Altered bowels
- Inappropriate thyroxine dose
Most people try several diets and lose some weight, only to regain all the weight they have lost and much more. As they gain more weight, they find the dose of thyroxine requirement goes up. In order to effectively manage both hypothyroidism and also lose weight a comprehensive approach is required.
I am on thyroxine and still cannot lose weight?
As mentioned above, the diagnosis of hypothyroidism and the underlying cause for underactive thyroid should be established. People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can have other autoimmune conditions like pernicious anaemia and Addison’s disease. All these conditions can cause tiredness. Tiredness can lead to altered hunger pattern and sleep disturbance, which in turn can promote weight gain.
This is just one example of why you are not losing weight. However, you will need to be assessed by an endocrinologist to establish any other endocrine problems and also if the dose of thyroxine you are prescribed is correct and if the thyroxine is absorbed in your body. Sometimes people can have thyroxine resistance which may be the cause of symptoms of underactive thyroid despite taking thyroxine.
What help can I get in your clinic?
You have a detailed consultation with one of our endocrinologists. Our specialist will rule out other associated endocrine problems as they can co-exist with autoimmune hypothyroidism. In addition, the exact cause for hypothyroidism has to be established. Our doctors if required may request certain thyroid genetic profile including TRHR, DIO1, DIO2, COMT, FKBPS, TSHR, PDE8B and TNF-alpha.
In addition, thyroxine absorption, drug interactions will be studied whilst providing a holistic multi-disciplinary weight management programme.
If you have underactive thyroid and are struggling to lose weight please contact us to arrange a consultation. Following the consultation, a weight loss plan including Simportion, Simaktiv and Simhappy will be offered as part of an intensive 3-month weight management plan whilst monitoring your thyroid function.
An optional long-term weight loss and maintenance plan is also available after the 3-month plan.
Please contact us if you need more information about our specialist weight management programme for hypothyroidism.
Click here to read a blog on Hypothyroidism
Watch our video on Weight Loss for Hypothyroidism