OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH
Thyroid Awareness

Hypothyroidism, Metabolism and Weight Loss
By Sharon Hardy, RD, CDE

The thyroid gland is an essential part of our endocrine system. It is a butterfly shaped organ found in the neck. The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating body metabolism, the speed at which fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water are metabolized. When we have a low functioning thyroid or hypothyroidism, the rate at which these elements are processed in the body is slowed down. If you are overweight, weight loss is crucial in order to avoid complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Many patients with a low functioning thyroid experience weight gain or difficulty in losing weight. However, hypothyroidism doesn’t mean that you will be unable to lose weight.

The first step in starting a weight loss plan is to determine your basal metabolic rate (BMR). You expend energy no matter what you're doing, even when sleeping. Thus your Basal Metabolic Rate is the number of calories you'd burn if you stayed in bed all day. The KORR indirect calorimeter is the gold standard in equipment available to measure BMR and is used at The Center. Regular cardiovascular exercise can increase your BMR, while depriving yourself of enough food can decrease your BMR.

Once, we know your BMR an accurate weight loss plan can be formulated based on your BMR, lifestyle and goals. By combining a calorie controlled meal plan with a reasonable exercise program, weight loss can be achieved even if you have low thyroid function. People with low metabolic function, such as those who are hypothyroid, need extra calorie burning opportunities or they can gain weight even without overeating. Their BMRs are typically lower than the general population. Exercise kick starts the metabolism and helps your body burn more calories not only while you are doing the activity but also for up to 12 hours afterwards. Just like any good weight loss plan, patients with hypothyroidism need to include diet and exercise in their weight loss strategies.

—January 2007

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