When diet and exercise do not result in desired weight loss, the answer may be due to thyroid malfunction.
The thyroid, which is your master metabolizer, is a small gland located in the neck. It releases two hormones, T4 and T3, which enter virtually every cell in the body, converting oxygen and calories into energy. These hormones can either rev up your metabolism or slow it down.
Since thyroid affects every cell in the body, the symptoms of low thyroid function are far reaching. In addition to the inability to lose weight or weight gain, other symptoms may include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, puffy face, hoarseness, muscle weakness, elevated cholesterol, joint pain or swelling, numbness or tingling in the hands, abnormal menstrual cycles, depression, slow heart rate, and impaired memory.
In the USA, Hashimoto’s Disease, which is an autoimmune condition, is the number one cause of hypothyroidism. Since it is an autoimmune condition, standard TSH testing does not diagnosis the majority of these cases. If your TSH is normal, but you have a family history of thyroid disease or you have numerous hypothyroid symptoms, ask your primary care doctor for a full thyroid panel including thyroid antibodies.
I also recommend a full review of your medications with your physician since some can interfere with proper thyroid functioning. Those medications could include beta blockers like Atenolol, birth control pills, estrogen, lithium, anti-epileptic drugs like phenytoin, and theophylline. Deficiencies in certain nutrients like iodine, iron, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and B12 can also affect proper thyroid hormone functioning.
Once the cause of thyroid dysfunction is discovered, your physician can determine the most beneficial course of treatment, which could include vitamins, minerals, compounded hormones, or pharmaceutical drugs.