It’s no secret that most people are struggling with weight issues. And while there are many reasons why someone might be heavier than they want to be, there is one condition that people are more likely to be aware of: hypothyroidism. Often called the “silent killer,” this is a condition where the body’s natural hormone, thyroxine (T4), is insufficient, resulting in an underactive thyroid. In many cases, this can lead to weight gain, but it can also cause an array of deficiencies that make it harder for the body to lose weight.
The Many Problems Caused By An Underactive Thyroid
If you’re reading this, I assume that you’re either struggling with your weight yourself or that you have someone you love who is. That’s nice, because this is a topic that more and more people are struggling to understand. More and more people are realizing that there is more than one way to lose weight and that hypothyroidism is one of the many conditions that can make it harder to do so. Here are just some of the problems that can result from an underactive thyroid.
Lack of Energy
One of the most frustrating things about having an underactive thyroid is that you won’t always be able to tell how you’re feeling simply by looking at yourself. You might think that you’re doing fine, but you’ll likely experience low energy levels that make it hard to accomplish everyday tasks. This can be highly frustrating for those who are trying to get back on track after years of weight gain, especially since there is no clear-cut “fix” for low energy levels. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and deal with it. That’s the best that you can do at the moment.
Poor Performance At School Or Work
You might also find that you have difficulties at school or work. Your performance can be significantly impaired, even if you don’t realize it yourself. After all, it’s common for people with an underactive thyroid to have problems concentrating and remembering things. They might also have slow speech patterns or be hypersensitive to stimuli.
Depression And Anxiety
Not only can depression and anxiety make it difficult to deal with the physical problems that come with an underactive thyroid, but they can also make it harder to lose weight. It’s a vicious cycle that can keep you trapped in a weight-loss rut, especially if you’re not careful. If you’re feeling down or anxious, it can be hard to eat sufficiently and make sure that your body is getting the nutrition it needs. Even when you’re not feeling depressed or anxious, it can be hard to stay motivated to exercise and follow a healthy diet plan. There is plenty of evidence showing that proper treatment can greatly reduce both the physical and mental health problems that come with an underactive thyroid. If you’re able to get things under control, you can enjoy life how you want to again.
Decreased Libido
Another issue that can result from an underactive thyroid is a significant decrease in libido. Not only does it make it hard for people to have sex, but it also makes them hesitant to engage in intimate relationships. In many cases, this can lead to people feeling lonely and disconnected which, in turn, can make it harder to lose weight. If you’re feeling this way, you’re definitely not alone. This is a common problem that many people experience, even if they don’t realize it.
As you can see, there are a lot of issues that can arise from an underactive thyroid. Not all of these problems are created equal, however. Some people might have more problems than others, depending on their individual bodies and how they’re constructed. If you’re reading this, chances are, you’re one of the lucky ones who doesn’t have to deal with a lot of these issues. That’s great. And, while there is no clear-cut way to determine how much weight you need to lose, understanding what problems you might experience can help you get there faster. You can reduce your risk of many of these issues by being mindful of your diet and getting enough sleep each night.