Thyroid Effect on Weight: The thyroid gland, which is situated at the base of our neck, is essential to metabolism because it secretes the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and regulates how well the body converts food into energy. Before becoming an active state, T4, a material that acts as a resting place for T3, is activated in tissues.
Since T3 increases the metabolic work rate and helps to modulate lipids, proteins, and carbs, the activation is essential in the branch. These procedures are necessary to ensure that there is enough energy and to maintain a certain metabolic rate.
Thyroid hormones have a crucial role in all metabolic processes involving the consumption of oxygen and heat, according to Dr. Uday Phadke, Director of the Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital in Deccan Gymkhana, Pune. poor energy, weight gain, and a poor metabolic rate may all be consequences of an imbalance like hypothyroidism, which is characterized by insufficient hormone production. On the other side, hyperthyroidism may cause weight loss due to a high metabolic rate. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are moderately high in subclinical hypothyroidism, which is a response to obesity rather than a direct cause of weight gain. It’s interesting to note that obesity may change thyroid function.
There are many ways in which thyroid function and weight interact. Thyroid hormones help in thermogenesis, which encourages the oxidation of fat and the generation of heat, in addition to controlling BMR. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may influence satiety and nutrition absorption by changing appetite and gastrointestinal motility. Effective weight control may also be hampered by these hormonal imbalances’ detrimental effects on glucose and lipid metabolism.
It is well known that thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may result in noticeable weight fluctuations. Weight gain is often the outcome of hypothyroidism because of a lowered metabolic rate brought on by inadequate hormone synthesis. On the other hand, because of an increased metabolic rate, hyperthyroidism may result in noticeable weight loss.
Thyroid function has been positively impacted by bariatric surgery, usually leading to lower TSH levels that are associated with weight reduction. Thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine, must often be carefully administered with dose modifications after major weight reduction after surgery in order to manage thyroid function in severely obese people with hypothyroidism.
Every disease needs a treatment plan, and in order to normalize hormone levels, hypothyroidism often requires thyroid levothyroxine hormone replacement medication. This is on top of regular exercise and eating a diet high in iodine and selenium. Cruciferous vegetables and soy (soy) may play important roles in the treatment of hypothyroidism, albeit their effects are multifaceted and may vary based on the condition and diet of the person. Treatment options for hyperthyroidism include radioactive iodine, medications that reduce thyroid hormone production, and even surgery.
A feedback loop including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thyroid itself regulates the production and release of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormone abnormalities result from disruptions in this system, which change weight and metabolism. Regular thyroid function testing are recommended for those with certain health complaints since untreated or underdiagnosed thyroid dysfunction may significantly affect weight control and quality of life.
