Losing weight with Underactive Thyroid

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Losing weight with Underactive Thyroid
5
Sat, 04-28-2007 - 11:31pm

Hi Ladies,
Does anyone have a hard time losing weight with an underactive thyroid?
I had my son in June of 2004 and I gained 70 pounds while preggo with him, I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid about 6 months after my son was born. My levels are always fine and I eat healthy (I do not exercise as much as I should, single mom not alot of time) but I have been stuggling with these last 20 pounds...very frustrating that my son will be 3 this June and I still have baby weight! Grr!

Thanks for reading..

Jillian

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-03-2007
Thu, 05-03-2007 - 12:39am

Hi there,

I also have an underactive thyroid and am currently taking a thyroid medication called levothyroxine. When you have an underactive thyroid it does affect your metabolism and in turn affects your weight. You can undergo some blood tests by your doctor to see what level of medication is suitable for you. Sometimes your doseage can be too low and is affecting your ability to lose weight.

good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-05-2005
Thu, 05-03-2007 - 2:29pm
I am in the same boat. I gained 70 pounds with my DD, born Aug. 05. I was diagnosed November that year and have been on low dose of levoxyl since. I have lost all but between 15-20 pounds. I do take aerobics 2x a week, a dance class once a week and walk when able. I am strict about what I eat due to food triggered migraines. My doctors are not concerned with my weight because I fall in a "healthy" range. That really does not make me feel better. Anyway, wanted to let you know you are not alone!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2007
Mon, 06-04-2007 - 10:32am

I have the same problem. Although it's been years since I was pregnant (!), I do have trouble losing weight. The pounds seem to creep on with no problem, but taking them off is nearly impossible for me. I don't know how much more I can cut my caloric intake and still be healthy! I know I need to exercise more than I do, but by the time I get home from work at the end of the day I just don't feel like doing it. I used to be so physically fit and athletically active, and it was relatively easy to stay slim. But after being sort of dormant the past two years (and with the late-40's body changes), it's harder to get active again. Granted, I only have about 20 pounds to lose - but it's still a hurdle. I've even tried some of the over-the-counter pills, but I'm a little scared of the way they made me feel, so I quit taking them.

Jana

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-24-2007
Mon, 06-04-2007 - 3:48pm
Well, I don't have any good news either. My levels are constantly tested and I can't lose weight either. I work out like crazy, eat small portions of healthy food, keep away from processed foods, only drink water, only eat wheat breads when I do eat bread and still can't lose weight. About a year after my first child was born I did a form of Atkins and lost a ton of weight. I was diagnosed with a low Thyroid about a year after my second child, tried Atkins again and gained weight. I was looking on the message boards to see if any one had any luck but, all I keep finding are people who have an underactive thyroid and can't lose weight. So, if anyone is out there who has some great tips for those of us with a low thyroid trying to lose weight - please let us all know.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2007
Mon, 06-04-2007 - 4:01pm
Yes, I tried the Atkins at one point too, about 7 years ago. At that time, I only had 10 pounds I wanted to lose and it came off pretty quick. I tried Atkins again last year, with no luck. I get my thyroid level checked each year and it always comes back ok. I think I just have to accept the fact that I won't ever be a size 10 again - or even size 12 for that matter! But, hey, I read the other day that the average American woman wears a size 14......and Meryl Streep wears a size 14, so I don't feel so bad! ha ha