You may have heard that too little physical activity can make you fat. However, even if you are physically active, but your metabolic activity is impaired, you will gain extra pounds.<\/p>\n
Obesity is not related only to consuming extra calories or engaging in less frequent exercise. It is one of the most prominent and troublesome symptom of hypothyroidism. Nevertheless, whatever the cause of obesity, the main culprit causing weight gain is\u00a0 failed metabolism (inability to burn the calories).<\/p>\n
The Thyroid Gland is a large, ductless, butterfly shaped organ present at the base of your neck. Located in the anterior neck, under the layer of skin and muscles, this gland is very important for the regulation of normal body functions. The thyroid gland regulates and controls the rate of metabolism which further affects two other body functions i.e. growth and development.<\/p>\n
It might seem this organ, responsible for basic functioning, may not influence the body much. However, this is not the case. If working properly, the thyroid gland is a highly functional organ.<\/p>\n
In contrast, normal mechanisms of the body are greatly impaired if the thyroid gland doesn\u2019t function effectively. There are two conditions that may be caused by the improper function of the thyroid gland (or indirect cause of decrease in thyroid hormones levels).<\/p>\n
This is the condition in which the thyroid gland is over active and produces too much thyroid hormone. This causes the metabolism rate to increase at an unhealthy rate and cause weight loss, along with the heart palpitations, heat intolerance, insomnia, fatigue and diarrhea.<\/p>\n
This is the condition in which the thyroid gland is under active and produces too little thyroid hormones. Due to this, the metabolism slows down resulting in weight gain. The other symptoms include extreme fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, sexual dysfunction, and decreased heart rate.<\/p>\n
\u201cHypothyroidism can affect your metabolism, mental functioning, energy level and bowel movements. Depending on how low your thyroid hormone production drops, your symptoms may be mild to severe\u201d, says Jill Eisnaugle.<\/p>\n
Hypothyroidism can also lead to slower and weaker heart rate which makes the heart less efficient at doing its job of pumping blood. This condition also leads to constricted arteries that can further raise blood pressure. In this situation, a person tends to get short of breath even after minimal activity.<\/p>\n
Along with that, there are also many other symptoms that may seem like a routine thing. These include fatigue, weakness and constipation. It is very hard to judge from these effects (symptoms) if the thyroid hormone production is low. For this, blood tests have to be conducted frequently to check the thyroid hormones level in blood. The two hormones produced by the thyroid are:<\/p>\n
Metabolism is the process of the catabolism (break down) and anabolism (synthesis of products) in the body.\u00a0 Both require and generate energy.<\/p>\n
Since the thyroid gland secretes hormones to regulate the metabolism, if the gland is not working properly, metabolism slows down. This is what happens in hypothyroidism. Basically, the underproduction of thyroid hormones results in the deficiency of T3 and T4 in the body. This deficiency, in turn, causes the metabolic system to slow down.\u00a0 Weight gain occurs as a result. It is one of the many symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid gland.<\/p>\n
The body solely produces energy through metabolism. Energy is basically driven by breaking down the food that we eat or by burning up the reserve fats and sugars. If no or very little metabolic processes are occurring in the body, it means that the food is not being broken down. This food accumulates in the body and causes obesity or weight gain. Since the basal metabolism rate is lower in such cases, patients suffering from hypothyroidism also have much more difficulty losing weight.<\/p>\n
Weight gain is therefore specifically associated with an underactive thyroid. This results in the slowing down of your metabolic rate which equals lower calorie usage.<\/p>\n
Weight gain or obesity is the road that can lead to many diseases. Illnesses caused by weight gain may be chronic or acute. Some of the more dangerous diseases that can be caused by this weight gain are high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and coronary artery or vascular diseases. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address the hypothyroidism associated weight gain.<\/p>\n
Hypothyroidism already causes the arteries to constrict. With weight gain, the situation becomes worse. Weight gain associated with hypothyroidism contributes significantly to the coronary artery disease. This means a person can be at a high risk of having blocked arteries. Obstruction in the arteries stops proper blood flow to the body which subsequently means that the cells are not getting enough oxygen.<\/p>\n
Hypothyroidism and weight gain contribute in a big way to the heart disease. These two correlated disorders lower the efficiency of the heart to pump blood around the body. In other words, the cells do not get enough oxygen. This is further enhanced by increased cholesterol levels. Since hypothyroidism slows down metabolic rates, cholesterol is not used in metabolic functions like synthesis of hormones or cell membranes etc.<\/p>\n
\u201cToo much cholesterol can cause plaque formation on the lining of blood vessels. Over time, this creates a narrowing that can cause heart attacks or strokes\u201d, write the writers from Arizona State University. Adding to the plague formation, decreased blood supply further comprises the oxygenation of heart muscles. Thus, chances of heart diseases escalate significantly.<\/p>\n
Weight gain also results in a hazardous disease known as Diabetes Mellitus. This disease is caused due to high levels of blood glucose. Since, there is a decrease in levels of thyroid hormones and consequently the metabolic rate; the blood sugar levels remain high.<\/p>\n
Arizona State University writers say, \u201cDiabetes can be associated with serious complications and premature death\u201d. Thus, it is a pressing concern for the patients suffering from hypothyroidism.<\/p>\n
Hypothyroidism and weight gain can also cause high blood pressure. \u00a0Weight gain can make it difficult for patients to breathe properly. They also experience fatigue\u00a0 after little activity.<\/p>\n
It might seem impossible but with a little will power and proper techniques, it is possible.\u00a0 Losing weight is very hard and frustrating for patients with hypothyroidism. By adopting a few lifestyle behaviors, you can surely succeed.<\/p>\n
Management through diet:<\/strong><\/p>\n Intermittent Fasting:<\/strong><\/p>\n Treatment and Exercise:<\/strong><\/p>\n Conclusion:<\/strong><\/p>\n In conclusion, weight gain is inevitable with hypothyroidism. The best way to counteract this issue is early detection.\u00a0 This should then be followed by a well-regulated diet plan and regular exercise regimen. Always consult your physician before starting anything new because hypothyroidism can also lead to other issues that you may not be aware of.<\/p>\n References<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n You may have heard that too little physical activity can make you fat. However, even if you are physically active, …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1074,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,42,8],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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