An Underactive Thyroid May Be Stopping You From Losing Weight
The thyroid gland, located in the middle of neck, is responsible for producing many hormones, such as thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and calcitonin, which regulate the metabolic rate in our body. Most women who have tried to lose weight unsuccessfully despite cutting calories and increasing physical activity, are familiar with the term metabolic rate. The bodies metabolic rate determines how much energy the body uses and energy is basically calories. Many diet pills claim to raise the metabolic rate, which leads to greater weight loss. An underactive thyroid will make any attempt at weight loss more challenging by slowing down the bodies metabolic rate.
Hypothyroidism is the medical term used for underactive production of hormones by the thyroid gland. People suffering from a slow metabolism typically show other symptoms such as hair loss and dry skin, constanttiredness, constipation, heavy menstrual flow, and a general feeling of fogginess. If this sounds familiar, a physician can do a blood test to check on the thyroid gland’s hormone production.
If it is not adequate, medication can be prescribed. While obesity and hypothyroidism are commonly present together, obesity is not a definite sign of a sluggish thyroid, it is much more commonly associated with overeating and lack of physical activity. People who really do follow a diet and exercise plan, yet don’t lose weight should consider underactive hormone production if other symptoms are present as well.