Can the thyroid gland affect weight. How are the thyroid gland and excess weight related? - there is a feeling of chilliness and chills even in a warm room

1. Hypothyroidism diagnosis

The sooner you know what you have hypothyroidism, the less weight eventually you will score!

Three reasons why you need to protect your health in advance:

01. When you have hypothyroidism, or even before when your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is elevated above normal, your metabolism can slow down. This means that you eat less and excess weight still continues to grow.

02. Since hypothyroidism can also make you tired and unhealthy, you start to become lazy, a constant sleepy state that interferes with being awake and interacting effectively with the outside world. Conclusion: metabolism is reduced even more.

03. And when we are tired, we sometimes eat - primarily carbohydrates - in an attempt to fight fatigue. And an excess of especially fast carbohydrates in the diet, again, leads to weight gain.

Advice. Diagnose hypothyroidism. Consult with an experienced physician.

2. Physical activity

For many thyroid patients, calorie restriction is simply not enough to cause weight loss. That's why popular "diet plans" that don't require exercise may not work.

In order to boost your metabolism, or make it more efficient, you first need exercise because it helps burn calories and fat, which in turn lowers insulin levels, boosts your resting metabolism, and helps fight hormone imbalances. : leptin, insulin and growth hormone.

However, for weight loss, you should do more exercise than recommended. According to experts, healthy people of normal weight you need 60 minutes of physical activity a day to maintain normal shape and prevent weight gain.

At the same time, half of us are not physically active for even 30 minutes a day, and only one in four is actually active for 30 minutes or more. Sedentary work interferes with most.

Advice. Get up and start moving more!

3. Misconceptions about hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism does not equal weight loss. In fact, the percentage of people who have hyperthyroidism, on the contrary, gain weight. Why this happens is not entirely clear. Perhaps hunger is the cause of excess calorie intake. Or defeat endocrine system may be caused by poor digestion, insulin resistance, or problems with the adrenaline hormone.

Also, weight gain in hyperthyroidism can be caused by medications taken to treat the thyroid gland.

Advice. Learn the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

4. Hidden reasons for gaining weight "pills"

Some drugs used to treat thyroid gland may cause weight gain:

For instance...

Antithyroid drugs for the treatment of DTG and hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis.

Beta-blockers (often given to treat hyperthyroidism).

Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, prednisone).

Estrogen and progesterone independently of each other, or together in one "pill".

Some antidepressants, especially Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

Mood-stabilizing and anticonvulsant drugs, such as those used for bipolar disorder, including lithium, valproate (Depakote), and carbamazepine (Tegretol).

Advice. If you are taking one of these medications and are gaining weight, talk to your doctor about your concerns and explore possible alternatives.

5. Radioiodine therapy (RIT)

The statements of doctors who say that they can somehow cure hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with radioiodine therapy are not true.

The truth is that most RIT patients experience complications of hypothyroidism and many gain weight. Some studies have shown that more than doubling, up to as much as 85% of patients, gained weight after RIT, and with it comes a dramatic weight gain among hyperthyroid patients who have had RIT therapy.

Advice. Talk to your doctor about other options because radioactive iodine is not the only treatment for hyperthyroidism.

6. What kind of physical activity is better to choose?

If you have the energy and time for only one type of exercise, which one is better to choose? To increase strength and muscle mass or aerobic exercise? Ideally, you should do both.

If you don't have enough time, choose strength training. Why is strength training better?

The point is that when you build muscle, you give your body the ability to burn more calories even when you're not exercising. A pound of fat only burns about 13-22 calories each day, while a pound of muscle can burn up to 130 calories a day. Gaining muscle means burning more calories over a period of time.

07. Water and fiber

Are you drinking enough water? Water is very good at boosting your metabolism. It can also help reduce appetite, eliminate puffiness in the body, help with bloating, and also improve digestion.

How Much Fiber Are You Getting?

Getting the right amount of fiber is one of the basic rules for people with a diseased thyroid if you want to lose weight. Fiber is useful for people with hypothyroidism who are trying to lose weight, and it can be obtained from food and supplements.

Advice. Drink enough water. Eat foods high in fiber.

Overweight and thyroid connected by an unbreakable thread. In this article, you will learn how the work of the thyroid gland affects weight fluctuations. Many of us are ready to justify our excess weight with thyroid disease. Is it always like this? In what case is the thyroid gland to blame for excess weight, and in which is its mistress? Let's understand these important issues like "who's to blame?" and "what to do?" right in this article.

I get asked a lot of questions about being overweight and fighting it. Many mistakenly believe that this is an endocrine pathology, and most often it is associated with impaired thyroid function. Yes, indeed, in some diseases of this organ, changes in body weight can be observed both upward and downward. But true endocrine obesity is very rare, mostly overeating and low physical mobility.

All diseases of the thyroid gland conditionally according to the level of work can be divided into 3 groups:

with enhanced function
with reduced function
with unchanged function

Let's remember what function it performs. It regulates the basic exchange. Her hormones accelerate all metabolic processes: the breakdown of fats, proteins and the absorption of carbohydrates. Thyroid hormones are needed to obtain energy from any resource. And energy is needed for the work of all cells of the body. It's like fuel for a steam locomotive.

The most important resource for humans in terms of energy is carbohydrates. If there are not enough carbohydrates in the food consumed, fats begin to be consumed. Most diets are based on this principle, where the main restriction is the ban on easily digestible carbohydrates. When fats are already used up from fat depots, muscles go to consumption.

A similar picture was observed in concentration camps, when a person looked like a skeleton covered with skin. Although even now there are young ladies “obsessed” with thinness who are no better than the sufferer from the concentration camp. The only difference is that the young lady goes for it consciously.

From everything we can conclude that for a certain group of thyroid diseases there will be a certain situation with weight.

When are overweight and thyroid related?

When the work of the thyroid gland is excessively increased, which is typical for such a disease as diffuse toxic, the main metabolism is accelerated and under the influence of an excess of thyroid hormones, all resources go to waste. At the same time, a person can eat a lot, but not gain weight.

If the work of the thyroid gland is reduced, which happens with hypothyroidism, then a small amount of hormones cannot provide a good basal metabolic rate. And everything that enters the human body is deposited in fat depots. Plus, there is fluid retention in the body, which also contributes to weight gain. Read the article and everything will become clear to you.

In a situation with a normal, preserved, functioning of the thyroid gland, everything is clear. The speed of the main exchange is optimal, resources are spent exactly as much as necessary. Therefore, in this case, if there is still weight gain, then the reason is not at all in the thyroid gland. This may be a violation of the work of other endocrine glands, or a banal overeating and insufficient physical activity.

Now let's figure out what to do when there are problems with weight. And by problems, I also mean a rapid weight loss with thyrotoxicosis (increased work of the thyroid gland). What kind of disease it is and what other signs it has, you will learn from the article.

In principle, in both cases, the problem is solved with the normalization of the thyroid gland. When the level of thyroid hormones becomes normal, weight problems will gradually disappear.

The difficulty of normalizing the level of thyroid hormones in thyrotoxicosis is that this very thyrotoxicosis can be observed in various diseases with different approaches to treatment. Therefore, here it is necessary first to accurately determine the diagnosis that causes thyrotoxicosis. Further treatment is carried out according to the disease.

Hypothyroidism, unlike thyrotoxicosis, is treated in the same way, regardless of the cause that caused it. Normalization of the level of hormones is achieved by the substitution intake of synthetic analogs of thyroid hormones. These include drugs such as L-thyroxine, eutiroks, etc.

After the start of taking these drugs, the main metabolism is leveled, excess fluid leaves. The excess weight starts to decrease. - the answer is in the article.

There are cases when hypothyroidism is not pronounced, then it is called subclinical (there are no symptoms, and laboratory parameters are changed). With subclinical hypothyroidism, there may not be excess weight gain, but sometimes the prescription of the above-mentioned drugs is required. In this case, they ask me: “Won’t I gain weight from these hormones?”.

My answer is always "No". And then at the consultation, I explain why for a long, long time. From thyroid hormones it is impossible to gain weight in principle, if the dose is chosen correctly. Weight can increase with a lack of hormones or decrease with their excess.

In endocrinology, if hormones are prescribed (not only of the thyroid gland), then with a substitution purpose, that is, in physiological doses - those that would be produced by the gland itself.

But, for example, in rheumatology, hormones are used in large doses specifically to suppress the pathological process, and this is associated with the appearance side effects, including weight gain.

And finally, in the article I talk about the effect of this particular drug on body weight. Highly recommend.

With pathologies of this system.

Due to disturbances in the functioning of this organ, a person may face the problem of overweight. Only complex therapy with medications and a revision of lifestyle will help to establish a clinical picture.

The thyroid gland oversees the production of 2 hormones: T3, or triiodothyronine, and, or thyroxine. These substances are responsible for the regulation of many functions in the body, including metabolism.

Metabolism largely determines what changes will occur with a person's weight: a set or a decrease in kilograms.

If the thyroid gland cannot produce, then all processes in the body slow down: brain activity decreases, the pulse and metabolism slow down. Metabolism becomes sluggish, a person is inactive, as a result of which weight gain occurs.

Many women, when they notice weight gain, begin to follow special diets. Restrictions in food negatively affect the work of the thyroid gland, as the body begins to receive an insufficient amount of nutrients, micro- and macroelements.

Because of this, he tries to stock up on the necessary amount of energy, which is why weight gain occurs. Because of this, a person with thyroid problems not only does not lose weight, but also gains weight.

Hormones T3 and T4

In addition, the following pathologies can provoke weight gain:

- a genetic disorder resulting from negative impact infections, poisons or radioactive iodine.
- in this case, metabolic processes are disturbed.

Thyroid disorders that can lead to weight gain can be recognized by the following signs:

Swelling and jaundice of the face.
Hoarse voice and difficult speech.
Dryness of the skin and.
Fragility of the nail plates.
Decreased memory and attention.
Little activity, drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night.
Metabolic disorders.
Numerous rashes on the body.

It is also possible to recognize thyroid pathologies that cause weight gain by violating the cycle, reducing sexual desire and infertility.

If you notice several symptoms of abnormal thyroid function, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo a diagnostic examination.

How to lose weight with thyroid diseases?

To normalize body weight, first of all, it will be necessary to normalize the level of hormones. For this, special medical preparations- synthetic hormone substitutes: L-thyroxine, Euthyrox.

It is also necessary to responsibly approach the issue of nutrition. Your diet should contain as many fatty varieties of fish, seafood and seaweed as possible. Also, a sufficient amount of iodine is present in coconut oil, eggs and beef.

When the level of biologically active substances in the body returns to normal, a person's weight returns to normal. He also gets rid of lethargy, chronic fatigue and acne on the skin.

To ensure that your weight is always normal, try to have regular check-ups and visits to the doctor. Follow all his recommendations to prevent any complications.

How to diagnose deviations in the level of hormones?

Thyroid pathologies that affect body weight can be recognized by the following clinical manifestations:

The level of endocrine hormones exceeds the norm.
The thyroid gland begins to secrete too much.
The cholesterol level is above normal.
The level of liver enzymes is increased.

The appearance of overweight requires a mandatory comprehensive medical examination. If the tests show that your body is normal, you need to undergo a more extensive examination.

Everyone knows that a change in the hormonal background necessarily affects the mass of a person, so it is important to know how the thyroid gland affects weight. Considering that the thyroid gland synthesizes and secretes into the blood hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine), which are involved in almost all metabolic processes, the importance of this issue becomes clearer. With a normal level of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), also called thyroid, the body works like a clock, but if it is disturbed, problems can arise in various systems of the human body - the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. Due to the violation of metabolic processes with an increased or decreased content of thyroid hormones, overweight or its deficiency may appear.

Pathological conditions thyroid glands and the hormonal imbalance to which they lead, occupy an honorable second place among diseases of the endocrine system and are becoming, sadly, more and more common. In addition, it is often not so easy to diagnose them in time, since the symptoms of early manifestations of thyroid pathologies can be considered as symptoms of other diseases that have nothing to do with the endocrine system. And the disease, which is the root cause, develops at this time.

With dysfunction of the thyroid gland, it is not able to synthesize the required amount of thyroid hormones and, naturally, the body begins to experience the consequences of their deficiency. This condition is called hypothyroidism and its manifestations affect almost all human organs and systems.

First, disruption metabolic processes, including fat metabolism. Its mechanism is to break down fats. Violation of the process of energy metabolism is expressed in the difficulty of processing calories that enter the body with food, as well as their distribution and expenditure. What is reflected in the growth of body fat and, accordingly, in an increase in body weight. A similar picture is observed in relation to cholesterol, which can cause early atherosclerosis. Secondly, problems with metabolism can also be expressed by chills, constant weakness, numbness of the upper and lower extremities, involuntary painful muscle contractions, and so on.

Also, a deficiency of thyroid hormones can be expressed by the following symptoms:

memory impairment, lack of concentration;
insomnia at night and constant daytime sleepiness;
violation of the condition of the skin and their color;
puffiness;
violation of the texture of hair and nails, as well as their fragility;
irregular menstruation in women, which can eventually lead to the inability to have children;
decreased libido in men.

With confirmed hypothyroidism, we can safely say that there is a link between overweight and thyroid dysfunction. In this case, "military actions" against extra pounds should begin with bringing the hormonal picture in the body back to normal. Most often, this involves the use of hormone replacement therapy, which consists in taking drugs based on
artificial thyroxine, in most cases it is L-thyroxine. Regrettably, but in most cases such treatment is prescribed permanently throughout the subsequent life, which, however, does not mean its inferiority. It should be remembered that the positive results of substitution therapy do not give the right to its independent cancellation, all decisions of this nature should be made by the attending physician.

Considering that in most cases the cause of thyroid dysfunction and hypothyroidism, in particular, is iodine deficiency, I will have to radically change my diet. One of the points of such a change will be an increase in the proportion of foods rich in iodine. These include seafood, certain types of fish, walnuts other. But products that tend to inhibit the hormone-synthesizing function of the thyroid gland should be completely excluded. For example, soy and peanuts.

But iodine is not the only trace element needed by the body, so a diet for a hypothyroid state of the thyroid gland should take into account all other needs of the thyroid gland and the body as a whole. Such a diet is the key to positive results in the fight against excess weight in thyroid pathologies and their treatment. To take everything into account, it is advisable to contact an experienced nutritionist.

Also, do not forget about exercise. Gymnastics or fitness should become mandatory procedures and, preferably, daily. If training on simulators is chosen as physical exercises, it is better to do them under the supervision of a trainer.

From all of the above, we can conclude: violations in the thyroid gland and overweight are interrelated concepts. And this says one thing: for any suspicion of thyroid dysfunction, you should immediately contact an experienced endocrinologist. He will be able to determine exactly what processes are taking place in the patient's thyroid gland and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. In addition, it should be remembered: self-medication is not an option. Any treatment, whether traditional or not, must be supervised by a specialist.

The thyroid gland is an organ of the human endocrine system. Its main function is the production of hormones responsible for the regulation of metabolism: thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine, T 4) and triiodothyronine (T 3).

Often fat people it is her wrong work that is blamed for the fact that their figure leaves much to be desired, and it is useless for them to diet and play sports. In fact, this is only partly true. Indeed, the thyroid gland and excess weight can be interconnected. But, firstly, this is noted only in 25% of cases. Secondly, her diseases are treatable, which means that weight loss is possible.

What is the relationship between them

Excess weight due to the thyroid gland appears if it produces an insufficient amount of hormones. This may be a consequence various diseases. So, with a shortage of thyroids in the body, a chain of processes is launched leading to the accumulation of fat reserves:

goes astray heartbeat- oxygen starvation of tissues begins;
reduced motor activity and performance;
metabolic processes slow down;
body temperature drops;
digestion worsens, problems with stool begin;
the level of glucose in the blood decreases;
slows down gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis in the liver;
lipolysis (disintegration of adipocytes) is blocked, the formation of fat increases, which is “stored” mainly in the abdominal cavity;
water exchange is disturbed, severe swelling is observed.

If the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones, somatotropin, which also contributes to weight gain, cannot manifest itself in full force. And the first sign of this pathology often becomes, which begins to increase at an incredible speed. At the same time, the arms and legs can remain moderately full.

Interesting fact. The thyroid gland is formed already at the 16th week of intrauterine development of the fetus. It reaches its largest size during puberty. It begins to decrease only after 50 years.

Diagnostics

To find out if excess weight is associated with the thyroid gland, you need to make an appointment with an endocrinologist, take tests and undergo the necessary laboratory diagnostics:

computed tomography of the brain;
scintigraphy;
a blood test for hormones (they will look at thyroid hormones).

Norms of indicators:

the volume of the thyroid gland in men is no more than 25 cm³, in women - about 18 cm³;
TSH concentration = 0.4-4 µIU/ml;
triiodothyronine = 3-8;
thyroxine = 4-11.

According to the results of the analyzes and the clinical picture, it will be clear whether overweight is due to a lack of thyroid hormones or its cause lies in something else. In diseases of the thyroid gland, there is usually either a sharp weight loss, which is called hyperthyroidism, or a set of excess weight with hypothyroidism. This is one of the main symptoms of a malfunction of this organ.

On a note. One of the most important products for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland is cranberries, since 100 g of this berry contains 350 micrograms of iodine, which is necessary for the synthesis of hormones.

Diseases

Hypothyroidism

Prolonged, persistent lack of thyroid hormones. One of the most common causes excess weight.

Provoking factors:

various diseases: thyroiditis, thyroid hypoplasia, hypopituitarism, sepsis, pancreatitis;
congenital pathology;
malnutrition (lack of iodine, excess of thiocyanates);
surgical removal of the thyroid gland;
radiation therapy;
long-term use of certain medications;
low sensitivity of cellular receptors to thyroids;
deiodination of hormones;
brain oncology.

Symptoms:

lethargy, slowness, decreased performance, drowsiness, chronic fatigue syndrome;
deterioration of memory, concentration of attention;
dehydration of the skin;
swelling of the hands, feet, face;
coarsening of the voice;
delamination of nails, hair loss;
excess weight, ;
chilliness low temperature body;
paresthesia;
constipation.

iodine compounds: Iodomarin (Iodomarin), Iodide (Iodide), Betadine (Betadine);
radiotherapy;
synthetic analogues of thyroxine: L-thyroxine (L-Thyroxin), Euthyrox (Euthyrox), Bagothyrox (Bagothyrox);
combination medicines: Thyreotom, Thyreocomb.

With such a diagnosis, tablets can be prescribed for the rest of life (like insulin for diabetics). The problem is that the body gets used to them, so dosage adjustments will constantly be required.

Myxedema

A neglected form of hypothyroidism, insufficient supply of tissues and organs with thyroid-stimulating hormones. It provokes weight gain, as it slows down metabolism by almost 60% and is characterized by congestion that causes severe swelling.

foci of inflammation, autoimmune pathologies, thyroid oncology;
surgical interventions in nearby tissues;
radiation;
pathology of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

Symptoms:

lethargy;
dehydration, pallor of the skin;
severe, up to tumors, swelling of the face, arms and legs;
thinning, splitting, hair loss;
hypothermia of the body;
hypotension, bradycardia;
high levels of bad cholesterol;
hypochromia;
myxedematous face: pale, swollen, swollen, narrowing of the eyes, fuzzy contours.

hormonal drugs: L-T4;
glucocorticoids;
correction of hemodynamic symptoms.

In the absence of treatment or under the influence of certain factors (due to severe hypothermia of the body, the use of antipsychotics or barbiturates), a person may fall into a myxedematous coma. Lethal outcome is more than 80%.

Autoimmune thyroiditis

Another name is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland due to autoimmune problems. It is always accompanied by a sharp decrease in hormones in the body, which invariably leads to excess weight.

violations at work immune system: its antibodies mistakenly perceive the thyroid gland as a foreign organ, attack it, making destructive changes in thyrocytes;
heredity;
autoimmune diseases: myasthenia gravis, infiltrative ophthalmopathy, Sjögren's syndrome, alopecia, vitiligo, collagenosis, lymphoid cell hypophysitis;
infectious and inflammatory diseases;
trauma, thyroid surgery;
iodine deficiency.

Symptoms:

seals, nodes in the thyroid gland;
increase in its volume;
pain syndromes;
difficulty in swallowing;
labored breathing;
excess weight.

synthetic thyroids: thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyroidin;
glucocorticosteroids (prednisolone);
surgery;
selenium supplements.

Forecasts are favorable: recovery occurs in most cases, and with it the weight returns to normal.

nodular goiter

Another disease, without treating which, you will not be able to lose weight. It is a node of various sizes on the thyroid gland, which can be benign and malignant.

iodine deficiency;
heredity;
depressive state;
poor environmental conditions, radiation;
violation of blood circulation in the follicles of the thyroid gland;
hormonal failure in the body in women;
autoimmune diseases;
foci of inflammation in nearby organs.

Symptoms:

visual increase in the volume of the thyroid gland;
when it is palpated, nodes are found (one large or several small ones);
excess weight.

L-thyroxine;
thyreostatic drugs: Espa-carb (Espa-CARB), Thiamazole, (Thiamazole), Propicil (Propicil);
iodine preparations.

To fight excess weight in thyroid disorders, you must first identify these diseases. When confirming the diagnosis, you will have to take hormonal pills. Some go in separate courses, others are appointed for life.

Did you know that... does the thyroid gland look like a butterfly, the right wing of which is slightly larger than the left?

Diet

To improve the functioning of the thyroid gland for weight loss, in addition to the treatment prescribed by the endocrinologist, you will need a special diet. There are foods that are useful for this body:

coffee drinks, homemade juices and fresh juices, lightly brewed black and green tea, mineral water without gas, infusions of medicinal herbs;
cereals: barley, millet, buckwheat, oats;
chicken eggs;
low-fat milk;
white, sea fish, seafood;
red meat, rabbit, chicken, turkey;
rye, whole grain, bran bread (wheat rarely);
butter, olive oil;
fresh fruits, vegetables, berries.

Foods that are harmful to the thyroid gland:

carbonated, alcoholic, energy drinks, cocoa, coffee, strong tea;
mushrooms, legumes;
oily fish, caviar;
greens: sorrel, spinach;
concentrated meat broths;
smoked and canned foods;
vegetables: radish, radish;
pork, lamb, duck, goose, organ meats, sausages;
sweets;
cream, sour cream, fermented baked milk;
sauces, spices;
dried fruits;
bakery, confectionery with cream;
persimmon, grapes, bananas.

sample menu

If you are sure that excess weight is dictated by thyroid diseases, it is imperative to undergo an examination and start a course of treatment with a passing change in diet. This is a rather serious problem, since hormone replacement therapy in such cases is often prescribed for life. Dietary restrictions will also have to be adhered to constantly.