Why does hypothyroidism lead to obesity?

First, hypothyroidism means your metabolism slows significantly, causing you to burn fewer calories each day. It can also cause fatigue and aches, making you less likely to exercise, further reducing your metabolism. Furthermore, when you're tired, you may consume more sugary foods and carbohydrates for energy.

Second, hypothyroidism can cause water to accumulate in the tissues and skin, manifesting as myxedema. This isn't typical obesity caused by excess energy, but rather edema.

Third, hypothyroidism reduces thyroid hormone production, disrupting sugar and fat metabolism. This prevents the body's tissues from properly utilizing sugar and breaking down fat, leading to obesity.

How can hypothyroidism patients lose weight?

For many people with hypothyroidism, losing weight can be a frustrating process. Here are some tips to help you lose weight:

1. Take medication regularly to keep your T3 and T4 levels from dropping too low. Taking medications like levothyroxine sodium tablets or natural thyroid extract or thyroid powder tablets can maintain thyroid function in patients with hypothyroidism. With proper dosage adjustment, thyroid function can be restored to normal.

2. Do more aerobic exercise. Moderate-intensity or higher-intensity activities such as yoga, jogging, swimming, and cycling are recommended, with exercise duration of at least 30 minutes. A gradual approach can be adopted; the key is long-term persistence.

3. Patients with hypothyroidism should increase their intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals, while limiting their intake of foods high in iodine, fat, and sugar, such as kelp, seaweed, squid, fried foods, and sweet foods.

4. Ensure adequate sleep and avoid overwork and staying up late, as this helps maintain normal metabolism and immunity. Adults are recommended to sleep 7-9 hours per night and maintain a regular sleep schedule.

5. Maintaining a positive attitude, learning to regulate emotions, and maintaining an optimistic and positive outlook are crucial for recovery from hypothyroidism.