Rapid Weight Gain in Hypothyroidism? Here's Why
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Publicado 2023-10-19
As a result, it's actually very common that patients with hypothyroidism end up gaining weight.
But what patients usually don't understand is that if you gain weight from hypothyroidism, only about 10-15 pounds of that weight is directly from your thyroid.
So why is it that some thyroid patients gain 30, 40, or even 50 pounds after their diagnosis?
The cause for this extra weight gain has more to do with fluid than with actual fat!
And because fluid levels can shift rapidly from day to day, they are often responsible for the wide shifts in weight that many thyroid patients experience.
The 3 main causes of this rapid weight gain include:
1. Swelling, edema, and water weight.
Hypothyroidism puts your body in a state where holding fluid is much more likely due to a condition called myxedema. This thyroid-specific condition results in the accumulation of GAGs and hyaluronic acid in your tissues which pulls in water from circulation resulting in swelling.
2. Constipation.
Thyroid patients are also at risk for developing constipation and, if you aren't having a bowel movement every day, you can start to gain a lot of extra weight from stool.
3. Menstrual problems (hormone-related weight gain)
Your thyroid not only regulates your metabolism, but it also has an impact on the menstrual cycle and progesterone. Thyroid dysfunction causes a decline in progesterone which can lead to an imbalance in estrogen:progesterone and excess weight gain from fluid.
If you think the weight gain from your thyroid is more related to fat mass instead of water weight then you'll want to check out this information: www.restartmed.com/mistakes-hypothyroid-patients-m…
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): www.restartmed.com/start-here/
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- Supplements that everyone with hypothyroidism needs: bit.ly/3tekPej
- Supplement bundle to help reverse Hashimoto's: bit.ly/3gSY9eJ
- Supplements for those without a thyroid and for those after RAI: bit.ly/3tb36nZ
- Supplements for active hyperthyroidism: bit.ly/3t70yHo
See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:
www.restartmed.com/shop/
Want more from my blog? I have more than 400+ well-researched blog posts on thyroid management, hormone balancing, weight loss, and more. See all blog posts here:
www.restartmed.com/blog/
Prefer to listen via podcast? Download all of my podcast episodes here: apple.co/3kNYTCS
Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: www.restartmed.com/what-happened-to-my-medical-lic…
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
Todos los comentarios (21)
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The vast amount of thyroid info I’ve gotten from one day of binge watching Dr. Child’s videos is insane.
My personal Physician wasn’t much help in giving me the important details, which is understandable due to time constraints, so this man is a godsend. -
Omg! This is exactly what's happening with me with exception of constipation. I have had IBS for most my life. I have whole body edema especially my legs and im gaining weight at a rapid speed. First it was 7 pds in nine days the 5 pds in less than 24 hours. The doctors can't figure it out and thought it was heart failure and I said no it's something else and sure enough all four doctors found out from my blood work that it's not related to the heart. I have Hashimotos. I take dessicated thyroid but not enough. Most Drs don't know about what to check for besides TSH levels. They don't know to check for T4, T3 free T4 thyroid antibodies and one other. Luckily one Dr. Checked them all and
told me I had the autoimmune form of hypothroid. Before that I was diagnosed with just hypothyroid. I'm so happy your video showed up as I was surfing YouTube. Your a blessing Dr. 👏🤗 -
That's great explanation dr.Childs!!! Thank you sooo much ❤
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I wish I had a doctor like you. I'm absolutely 100% doomed and I don't see a bright future for my health lol
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I just had a biopsy done on my thyroid and I have gained 20 lbs, my endocrinologist said it’s no hurry, she also said I have hyperthyroidism, I don’t understand I’ve always exercised and it’s a hurry for me to get back to feeling, I’m so tired I’m 59 and it’s so discouraging.
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I wish I could find a doctor like Dr. Childs to help me. I don't feel like my docs know as much about my thyroid issues, or are even as interested.
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This is literally mind blowing!
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Thank you for your video my doctor haven't try to explain this to me.
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Hey doc would you do a video on hypothyroidism and its relationship to Leutenising hormone and Low testosterone.
Men jumping on trt before looking at the thyroid function scores. -
How to get Rid of pumpkin face and loss of facial contours ?
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When I use the bathroom. I gain weight. And go to the bathroom 7 day sometime. I hate thyroid. I,m learning a lot from this video
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I wish I lived in USA and would have come to you to treat my thyroid,I been a thyroid parent for 25 years and had no luck with the doctors here ,there just put you on one medication and it's done exactly has you mentioned it. Thank you very much for all the useful information.
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When my labs are crazy out of wack, I feel great. When my labs are ‘normal’, I feel terrible and gain weight and fatigued.
Why can’t my labs ever match my body? 😢
I’m on a higher dose and I am gaining like crazy. Maybe it’s bc I’m perimenopausal? If that’s the case, do I see a female hormone specialist instead of an endocrinologist? -
I had a thyroidectomy in 2009 and weight slowly started adding on. Finally in 2017 I had enough, and I released 60 pounds and kept it off now for almost 6 years. I would suggest to look at the program Brightline Eating. I liked it because the creator has thyroid issues and she kept it off for over 10years! Also there is a maintenance piece as many weight loss plans don’t offer. The creator is also a Neuro doctor and she studied why we eat the way we do!
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Makes my weight gain perfect sense.
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What about iodine intake?
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I have hashimotos and a high TSH(24) and low T3 and T4 according to recent tests. I just upped meds and also started carnivore diet. But I am already at my optimal weight and a very active athlete. I don't want to lose more weight. Any suggestions?
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Fiber makes me constipated! The only way I can poop regularly is by avoiding fiber completely. Fiber also causes me tons of gut pain which is another big reason I avoid it.
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I was so slim I started menopause I've tripled my weight no thyroid and hormone all over the place can't loose weight
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