The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck of humans that aids in digestion. It also has a potent role in keeping the body’s temperature steady. Because of this, doctors often prescribe thyroid medication to patients who present with signs of hyperthyroidism (overactivity) in order to bring their bodies into a more normal state. However, many people who take this medication experience weight loss – even in instances where they should be gaining weight. What gives?
The Possible Roles Of The Thyroid In Weight Loss
Based on the evidence available, it is theorized that the thyroid may play a role in weight loss. In humans, the thyroid stimulates the bodies of appetite by secreting two hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is the main hormone produced, and it stimulates the appetite center in the brain. Because of this, those who take thyroid medications should experience improved appetite and eventually see their weight increase. There is also evidence that high doses of vitamin C can increase the bodies’ T4 levels and assist in weight loss.
While thyroid hormones do play a role in weight loss, it’s not the whole story. For example, it has been found that those who undergo bariatric surgery (gastric bypass) experience an increase in weight often without having changed their thyroid medication. This suggests that other factors contribute to the process – like diet and exercise. Nevertheless, having a functional thyroid remains essential for overall good health. Hence, the importance of having a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle – including plenty of sleep – cannot be overlooked.
When Will My Thyroid Grow Back After Surgery?
Thyroid surgery is a major operation that entails removing all or part of the thyroid gland. Depending on the procedure performed, it can take several weeks to months to recover from. Even then, there is no guarantee that you will regain the pre-surgery weight – especially if you continue to eat in a manner that favors weight gain. However, if you are dedicated to exercising and sticking to a healthy diet, you may be able to see some benefits from the procedure quickly. Keep in mind: it will take some time before you can truly tell how the surgery has affected you.
Thyroid surgery is a common operation that doctors perform to treat a variety of conditions. While it’s not always necessary to lose weight before undergoing the surgery, it’s not uncommon for those who have morbid obesity or are severely overweight to have their thyroid removed. As we’ve established, the thyroid has a significant effect on appetite and body temperature, among other things. So, in cases like these, it makes sense that doctors would remove it and let the patient find their ‘perfect’ weight. In some instances, aftercare from the surgery can even include counseling on how to better manage their diet and exercise habits.
Thyroid surgery is a common operation that doctors perform to treat a variety of conditions. While it’s not always necessary to lose weight before undergoing the surgery, it’s not uncommon for those who have morbid obesity or are severely overweight to have their thyroid removed. As we’ve established, the thyroid has a significant effect on appetite and body temperature, among other things. So, in cases like these, it makes sense that doctors would remove it and let the patient find their ‘perfect’ weight. In some instances, aftercare from the surgery can even include counseling on how to better manage their diet and exercise habits.
The Linked Disorders Of The Thyroid
Besides playing a role in weight loss, the thyroid is also linked to several other diseases and disorders. Some of these are autoimmune diseases, in which the body’s own immune system attacks the thyroid and/or causes it to malfunction. Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are two examples of this type of illness. In Graves’ disease, there is an excess of thyroid hormone in the blood, while in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the bodies’ immune system attacks the thyroid and destroys it, preventing it from producing sufficient amounts of hormones.
In addition to these two autoimmune disorders, the thyroid is also linked to:
- Pellagra (an incomplete form of vitamin C)
- Heart disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Migraine headaches
- Sexual dysfunction
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Bone loss
- Poor vision
- Osteoporosis
The above list is not all-inclusive. Moreover, it is not always necessary to have each of the above conditions in order to experience the effects of the thyroid. Nevertheless, it is well documented that those who have a dysfunctional thyroid are more likely to develop many of the above conditions. Hence, it is fairly common for people to lose weight after their thyroid has been removed, as the list of diseases and disorders above indicates. Moreover, many people with obesity struggle with depression and anxiety, which makes them prone to gaining weight even when food is readily available. However, because of the above-listed conditions, it is generally accepted that those who have a dysfunctional thyroid should strive for the ‘perfect’ weight. Also, eating the right food for the body’s particular needs can help those who are actively trying to lose weight.
Thyroid Disorders And Depression
Aside from playing a role in weight loss and the various diseases and disorders associated with it, the thyroid is also known to be involved in mood and mental health – even in cases where no apparent physical issues exist. It has been shown to increase levels of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that can cause feelings of happiness. Low levels of serotonin have been known to cause depression and anxiety – which is why many doctors believe that those who have a dysfunctional thyroid should see an improvement in their mental and emotional health, even if they are already at their ‘perfect’ weight. This theory is supported by the evidence that drugs and medications that increase serotonin levels can help to treat depression – even in cases where it is not caused by a physical illness. However, since serotonin also has a role to play in regulating appetite, weight gain in those who take these medications should not be overlooked.
With all of that said, while it is generally accepted that those who have a dysfunctional thyroid should lose weight, the specifics of how much and at what rate remain up for debate. Moreover, it is not just weight that is at stake, but also good health. Those who have a dysfunctional thyroid should seek to have it fixed as soon as possible, as the above evidence indicates that it can cause a host of health problems. Hence, while it is generally accepted that those who have a dysfunctional thyroid should lose weight, the specifics of how much and at what rate remain up for debate. Moreover, it is not just weight that is at stake, but also good health. Those who have a dysfunctional thyroid should seek to have it fixed as soon as possible, as the above evidence indicates that it can cause a host of health problems. Hence, while it is generally accepted that those who have a dysfunctional thyroid should lose weight, the specifics of how much and at what rate remain up for debate. Moreover, it is not just weight that is at stake, but also good health.
In summary, while the thyroid is not the only gland that influences weight loss, it is one of the more important ones. As we’ve noted, the thyroid plays a crucial role in digestion, energy production, and body temperature. Because of this, doctors often prescribe thyroid medications to patients with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) in order to bring their bodies back into a normal state. However, many people who take this medication experience weight loss – even in instances where they should be gaining weight. What gives?