Thyroid & Weight Loss

The body's center for controlling weight lies in the thyroid gland. It is part of the endocrine system which has the responsibility to produce and regulate hormone function throughout the body. In addition to controlling hormones, the thyroid is also responsible for manufacturing certain proteins and regulating the processing and utilization of energy in the body. All three of its functions--hormonal regulation, protein production, and burning energy--contribute significantly to the body's ability to lose weight. An individual's ability to lose weight is dependent on the state and functionality of the thyroid.

Thyroid and Metabolism

One of the key weight loss factors the thyroid controls is the metabolism. Metabolism is the series of controlled chemical reactions that determines myriad life functions such as how fast the heart beats and at what rate ingested sugar and stored fat are converted into energy. The metabolism is regulated by the amount of the two main hormones produced by the thyroid gland itself: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine(T4). Weight loss is largely dependent on the amount of these hormones present in the bloodstream.

Hyperthyroidism and Weight Loss

Individuals who suffer from an overactive thyroid typically experience rapid and persistent weight loss. This condition is called hyperthyroidism, and occurs when the thyroid produces a surplus of T3 and T4. The greater the hormone surplus the more weight will be lost. While individuals dealing with hyperthyroidism may enjoy the immediate benefits of losing weight quickly regardless of dietary intake or exercise effort, the weight loss will be stifled once hormone suppressant medication is taken to quell this potentially dangerous condition.

Hypothyroidism and Weight Loss

Individuals who suffer from depressed or non-existent thyroid function have a condition called hypothyroidism. The lack of T3 and T4 production results in weight gain that may be hard to overcome due to a slowed metabolism. Bodies with lowered thyroid function tend to immediately turn ingested sugars into stored fat instead of utilizing them for immediate energy. The decrease in production of certain proteins means that this fat is harder to lose, and therefore hypothyroid patients must work harder to lose weight than those with normal or high thyroid function.

Normal Thyroid Range

While individuals with hypothyroidism may take synthetic thyroid hormone to handle the condition, weight loss will continue to be a challenge due to the medical definition of "normal" thyroid range. Medical professionals have recently shifted what is considered normal thyroid hormone levels to a range that was previously considered low normal. The result is that the prescribed amount of synthetic hormone is still not enough to bring most patients to really effective fat-burning metabolic levels.

Diet and Nutrition

Individuals at all levels of thyroid function can increase their weight loss abilities with at least 60 minutes of cardio exercise daily and a diet high in proteins and dietary fibers. These measures will help lowered thyroid function, assist any synthetic hormones and also support normal thyroid function.