How to Lose Weight with An Underactive Thyroid

It is often seen that people with an underactive thyroid battle weight problems. In most cases, weight problems exist even before an underactive thyroid is detected. This problem is caused due to insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones produced by the gland. It is these hormones which are responsible for regulating the metabolism of the body. Along with weight gain, insufficient thyroid hormones also cause a number of other problems like depression, poor concentration levels, dry skin, constipation, etc. Therefore, it is important that one tackles thyroid problem along with weight loss.

Many think that to lose weight with an underactive thyroid is difficult. Hence, it is important for them to know the answer to how to lose weight with an underactive thyroid. In reality, losing weight with an underactive thyroid is not as difficult as it seems to be. With the right measures, it is indeed possible to shed off the excess weight and keep it away as well.

Tips on How to Lose Weight with An Underactive Thyroid

For losing weight with an underactive thyroid, it is important to note that it is the metabolic rate issue that needs to be tackled. Along with metabolism, it is also important that the thyroid glands produce the required quantities of thyroid hormones. Hence, it is important that the medication for the same is taken on time without fail. Initially, it will take longer for the hormone level to come down to normal. However, when the medication is taken regularly, it will not be a problem. Once the levels have come back to normal, losing weight becomes rather easy.

Steady Weight Loss
For losing weight with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), it is important to note that weight loss will not be drastic. Therefore, one must not get demoralized if the weight loss is really insignificant. One must look at it as something is better than nothing.

Exercise
The best method to increase metabolism is with exercise. Therefore, you will have to make exercise a way of life. Exercise will have to appear on your daily itinerary. Include both cardiovascular exercises as well as strength training in your workout schedule. While the cardiovascular exercises will help to shed off the excess weight, strength training will help in building muscles, which in turn will further accelerate the weight loss process.

Eat Regularly
It is often seen that people who suffer from hypothyroidism do not eat regularly, because they are not hungry. This in turn leads to the body accumulating fat for bad times, which are the times when you are not eating. This becomes a vicious circle, which causes weight gain. Therefore, eat in small quantities at regular intervals. This will also help the process of metabolism. You can talk to your dietitian about the right number of calories for your case. You can accordingly divide your meals, so that you are also able to create a calorie deficit.

Diet
Along with eating at regular intervals, attention will have to be paid to your diet. The diet should be rich in proteins, which will help in building lean muscle mass and accelerate weight loss. It will also aid in boosting the metabolic rate, which in turn will help in losing weight faster. Your diet should be rich in complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates help in stabilizing blood sugar levels. As far as possible, eliminate sugar from your diet, however, do consume fruits as they contain healthy sugar. Keep the quantity of salt in your diet low. Also keep a check on the kind of fat you consume. Fruits and vegetables should be included in the diet in larger quantities. There should be at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables in the diet everyday. However, make sure you do not eat fruits and vegetables that are not included in your diet plan, like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, etc., as they can hinder the weight loss process.

Keep yourself Active
It is best to include as much as physical activity as is possible. Wherever possible you will want to avoid using elevators, try walking or cycling to your destinations, etc. These may seem to be small changes, but they will go a long way in the weight loss process. The more active you are the easier will it for you to lose weight. However, that does not mean that you give your daily exercise routine a miss. The exercise routine will stay in its place and this change will also be included.

I hope you have now found the answer to the question, how to lose weight with an underactive thyroid. It is advisable to consult your health care professional for any more specific measures that you will have to take in order to lose weight and also maintain it.

By : Bhakti Satalkar