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Struggling to lose weight or mysteriously gaining pounds out of nowhere? Your thyroid may be to blame. This small gland controls your metabolism and impacts nearly every cell in your body. When thyroid function is out of whack, it can wreak havoc on your weight.
How the Thyroid Influences Weight
The thyroid produces two key hormones - T4 and T3. These active hormones regulate:
Basal metabolic rate - The calories your body burns at rest for vital functions. This accounts for 60-75% of daily calorie expenditure.
Thermogenesis - Production of body heat by burning calories. Thyroid hormone increases thermogenesis.
Protein synthesis - Thyroid hormones boost protein production needed for muscle growth and fat breakdown.
Digestion - Thyroid activity increases gut motility and nutrient absorption.
Fat mobilization - Thyroid hormones stimulate lipolysis to break down fat for energy.
When these processes are disrupted by thyroid problems, major weight fluctuations can occur. Low thyroid slows metabolism, calorie burning, and fat breakdown leading to weight gain. Excess thyroid hormone speeds up these mechanisms causing weight loss.
Common Causes of Thyroid-Related Weight Changes
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Hashimoto’s Disease
Graves’ Disease
Thyroid Medication Dosage Issues
Resistance Training and Cardio
Nutrient Deficiencies
Assessing Your Thyroid’s Role in Weight Changes
Notice an unexplained drop in weight or sudden increase? Look at when it started and any other symptoms that developed. Keep a log of your weight fluctuations and symptoms to identify patterns.
Get comprehensive thyroid testing done through blood work and a physical exam. This should include TSH, free T4, free T3, antibodies for Hashimoto’s diagnosis, and consideration of a reverse T3 test.
Work with your doctor to determine if thyroid issues are contributing to your weight changes. Identifying the root cause is key to proper treatment and restoring metabolic balance. With the right thyroid treatment plan, any nutritional support needed, and lifestyle adjustments, you can get your weight back on track and keep your thyroid in proper working order. Don’t let your thyroid sabotage your health and body goals.
Join our FREE Hormone Reboot Workshop to learn more about the link between your thyroid, metabolism, and overall hormonal health and wellness.
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