Connection Between Weight Loss and Thyroid Health

In some people, difficulties with losing weight can be related to poor thyroid health.

In any one individual, there can be dozens of reason why a person can or cannot lose weight. There are internal factors that vary greatly from individual to individual, and there are also a whole host of environmental factors that can be at play as well. One block that many people face on the way to a slimmer self is their thyroid.

We’ve often heard of people suffering from an overactive thyroid, but what does that mean exactly and how does it impact your ability to lose weight? First, the hormones excreted by the thyroid are what regulate your metabolism. This is one of the major reasons why some people are slim no matter what and why some people can’t lose weight, no matter how hard they try. Thankfully, one’s metabolism and, in turn, their thyroid health, can be easily measured by any doctor using what is known as BMR or basal metabolic rate.

If you are like many others who have tried diet, exercise, and every other weight loss plan under the sun and still can’t lose weight, it may be time to ask your doctor or medical professional to test your BMR. A low BMR score means that your thyroid isn’t pulling its weight. A high score means it might be overactive. The BMR isn’t the only clue, however, your body may be giving out that something is wrong. Doctors also look at energy balance for signs that you may need some help losing those pounds.

Energy balance is simply the difference between the amount of calories your body takes in compared to the amount of energy you put out. If you are working out and dieting, you would have to have a negative energy balance, which would lead to weight loss. However, if your thyroid isn’t pumping out enough hormones, you may never achieve the energy balance you want. An overactive thyroid can almost simulate the effects of being on weight loss drugs, which can be just as dangerous as having a thyroid that is under-performing.

Doctors will tell you that a BMR reading isn’t the ultimate answer for why you can’t drop the weight you want, but it can be a good insight to how well your body is functioning. There are many hormones in the body that can influence your metabolism but your thyroid is the main player in that field. During your next doctor’s visit, be sure to ask about how weight loss and thyroid health may be impacting your life and how your thyroid and you may unlock the key to a slimmer you.

Other Related Posts and Articles you May Find Interesting: “Sleep and Weight Loss”, “Hypothyroidism Diet and Weight Loss”, “What Causes a Slow Metabolism” and “Health Conditions That Cause Weight Gain”.