How can I lose weight when I have hypothyroidism?
I am a youngish person, and I am tired of weighing 200 pounds. I just reached that weight yesterday, and it is depressing. I wanted to know what kinds of exercise should I do that would be most effective, and what kind of diet plan would be best. None of the pills for hypothyroidism will work fo rme, so please do not suggest those. Thanks, and any help is greatly appriciated!
I know exactly how you feel! I also am youngish and suffer from hypothyroidism. I gained weight like crazy and could not get rid of it no matter what I did. Plus, the side effects are you’re tired all the time and it leads to depression.
I’ve been losing weight recently (20 lbs over the past year) through a combination of ways to break the metabolism curse that is hypothyroidism. Firstly, you need to see an endocrinologist to see what replacement thyroid drug you need, they come out with new ones every so often. I’m on Synthroid and it works, but it takes at least two weeks to kick in. You take those every morning before you eat! This is important because anything you eat/take will interfere with thyroid pills!
Also, you may be deficient in vitamins, most of us are. I take a multivitamin and vitamin D, and trust me IT HELPS. Just take them 2-4 hours after your pills because they will block absorption.
I suggest seeing a nutritionist as well, a lot of endo offices have one or two that work with the patients. Once you get the vitamins and the thyroid pills right, it should be easier to lose weight. Unfortunately, losing weight for us is not just a numbers game (calories in vs calories out), it’s a chemical equation.
As for exercise, try earlier in the morning right after you take your pill. Aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate-to-high intensity cardio four times a week. Normal people can get away with less, but for us it takes more effort. I would suggest going most days and alternating days of weight training. The weight training is just as important as the cardio because muscles will burn 20X more calories than fat tissue does, thus revving the saggy metabolism.
As for type of cardio, just make sure you crosstrain to avoid muscle memory. Try jogging one day, the bike the next. It’s important to keep your body guessing because if you can’t adjust, you’ll burn more calories with effort.
And finally, water. Drink lots of water to keep your body flushing out the toxins.
You should ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian…preferable one that specializes in hypothyroidism.
Take some natural supplements and work out a lot. Lifting weights will increase your resting metabolism.
oh humanity and ur recessive defective traits youve failed me so….
lactose intolerance is a bitch
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First of all, eat less and exercise more. It’s as simple as that. If you consume less calories than you burn, you will lose weight. It’s a physiologic certainty. Second, if you are truly hypothyroid, then you need to be on thyroid replacement therapy. Thyroid hormone has other functions in your body than just metabolism. It affects many organ systems. You have to take it and you have to take it regularly.
To lose weight (fat), include more fibrous slow digesting carbs, as opp. to the fast digesting ones.
No white breads, fast foods, sodas (not even diet) no ketchups, sugar, only skim milk, not 2%, skim and whole grain non sweet (sugary) cereal, whole wheat bread, maybe buy some soy or whey protein.
Include lean meats like ham, and other sources of protein. Avoid red meats. Take a multivitamin, calcium and vitamin d every 2 days, one or two V8s a day (or every other day).
Don’t starve, eat small healthy meals. A lot of small meals opposed to a few bigger ones– make sure is has at least 8-10 or more g of protein, not too much protein because the body can only digest a certain amount at a time; and avoid too many fruits, carbs and sugars. Fibrous veggies, greens (no starches or potatoes) are good, and no BBQ sauce (unless used sparingly) and not too much (if any) salad dressing.
Before bed (2 hrs), eat something with protein, don’t
eat many carbs before bed. Eat some of that good cereal in the morning, you need quality carbs, just not too much, and the slow digesting ones.
Do slow crunches until you can not do anymore, jog stairs (be safe though), warm up first and do sprints, short bursts of intense activity is very effective compared to long weak activity, just don’t over do it. Also include some slow but long endurance jogging. Be active!
Jog stairs ;and also do some lunges until it burns, do this every day or 2 days, keep going and don’t give up, same with eating, you need some fat, so one or two fish oils daily.
Eat fish (not fried, be careful, very careful for bones) Peanut butter on whole wheat (no jelly), which has protein, and don’t worry about the fat in that. Avocados, has fat, good fat; eat it when your hunger cravings get you.
When you do crunches, also twist on some to work your sides, keep tension on your abs.
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I had the same exact problem. I was at 200lbs and no matter what I did, I just couldn’t lose the weight. It was so frustrating. Finally, I had a doctor who told me that the best way for people with hypothyroidism to lose weight is to eat small amounts 6 times a day.
This is really working well for me. Since I started that I’ve lost 20lbs! It is also important to have meds to help regulate your thyroid levels. If you seem to have trouble finding the right one, ask for a referral to an endocrinologist.
Hope this helps!