Under Active Thyroid + Fat Loss

[wrdmrn]

My partner has come to me for help recently, she has an under active thyroid and is over weight, she desperatly wants to lose it as she tells me it is really getting her down, she hates her body and won't even look in the mirror.

I've been doing some reading that suggests a low carb approach is the way to go although I'm still quiet confused myself.

I want to help her out but need to have the approach to take with her clear in my mind.

Thanks in advance.

[maggieandmommy]

Rather than going low carb right off the bat, why not try a more balanced diet but at a decent deficit and see if that works for her? She'll need to track her food to make sure that she's really in a deficit (and ideally would weigh the food as well so that she can be certain how much she's actually taking it). She might not actually have an underactive thyroid; it could just be that she doesn't move much so she doesn't burn much.

In the end it comes down to calories in/calories out. The macro makeup of the deficit can make the deficit a bit easier to endure, but it's really all about the calories. The first step is to determine how many calories she needs to continue at her current state and then to determine a decent deficit for her. How hard is she willing to work? She could accomplish weight loss by tightening up her diet, making sure to be in a deficit, and adding in NEAT (non-exercise activity) like walking and just upping the general activity level.

[LaraT]

Is she taking thyroid replacement medication? Are her levels adequate? This is key to sort out first. Once levels are normalized most people have no problems losing weight. Might be slower but happens no problem. I have discussed the issue of nutrition/diets with my Endocrinologist as well as the nutritionist who works in the Endocrinology department at the hospital my Endo is based in and they have both stressed that Low-carb diets are actually not good for people with hypothryoidism because the body needs carbs to maintain proper thyroid hormonal levels. On average they said not to go below 100 grams/day. What is important of course is to choose good carbs (whole grains, fruits, veggies, beans) over processed, refined carbs.

[MOJO]

I agree with LaraT. Biggest thing for her first off is to be sure her TSH, T3 and T4 levels are corret. But more important than that, if she is on thyroid replacement and still does not feel well that may not be the medication for her. She should maybe look into trying a different medication.
I spent 8 of the 10 years Ive been dealing with hypothyroid on the wrong medication. I have been on Armour Thyroid for almost 2 years and it has made a world of difference for me. She should listen to her body, it knows when something is not right and if her doctor won't listen to her and at least try something else she needs a new doctor. The weight will not come off as fast as she will want it to and she may have to work a little harder than others but it is possible.

MOJO

[mxwife]

I have to totally agree as well....make sure her levels are stable and then start with a balanced program.

I was hypo (but stabilized with meds) and started out on ww before moving on to more serious programs. I think it's so important to make the life changes first and moderately if need be. I think it's what has enabled me to keep the weight off three yrs later. Diet, then excercise, and then tweaking .

Best of luck to her!