Weight Issues & Your Thyroid
People gain weight for a number of reasons that go beyond your calorie intake and workouts. You might be on a new medication or even stress can be a factor. But even after you’ve eliminated all the possibilities and are still struggling to maintain your weight, it might be time to check with your doctor for one additional factor: your thyroid.
According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime and up to 60% of those people will be unaware of the problem. Women are 5-8 times more likely than men to have thyroid issues.
Thyroid 101
Your thyroid is located in the middle of the lower part of your neck and looks like a butterfly.
The thyroid is small and it produces a hormone called thyroxine that affects every cell, tissue, and organ in the body—staying on top of jobs like helping the body use energy, regulating temperature and streamlining operating in the brain, heart, and muscles.
Learn More About the Signs of Thyroid Issues
Hypothyroidism
Known as “low thyroid” or “underactive thyroid,” this condition happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, an issue that can affect your metabolism.
Some symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
- Weakness
- Hair loss
- Mood changes
- Dry skin
- Difficulty concertation
- Digestive problems
Hyperthyroidism
When your thyroid swings in the other directions and is producing too much thyroxine, you can also have weight issues, but on the opposite end of the spectrum. You often experience unintentional weight loss, even when attempting to add calories.
Other symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
- Infertility
- Bulging eyes
- Rapid heartbeat
- Skin and hair issues
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- mood changes
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Depression
Learn More About the Signs of Thyroid Issues
See Your Doctor
Whether you have just a couple of these symptoms or maybe just one, like struggles with weight gain, it’s worth getting your thyroid levels checked.
Contact Family Healthcare of Fairfax for More Tips Exercise and Weight Loss
If you’re experiencing any of the issues above, schedule an appointment and speak with your doctor today. Contact Family Healthcare of Fairfax today. Give us a call or email us to schedule an appointment today!
*Source:blog.myfitnesspal.com