Thyroid issues are common these days. While it can affect anyone, it is more common in women than in men; if we believe the studies, the risk of thyroid disorder is ten times higher in women than in men. Despite being a common health issue, there is a lot of confusion and myths surrounding thyroid health.
One of the most common myths about thyroid issues is that it causes obesity. This article aims to bring forth the myths and facts about thyroid and obesity and address the important question – “Can Thyroid cause obesity?”
Myth 1: Everyone with Hypothyroidism Will Gain Weight
Fact: No, thyroid disorders affect every individual differently. Therefore, only some people with Hypothyroidism experience weight gain. While it is the common symptom of Hypothyroidism, it doesn’t affect everyone, and the degree of weight change may vary for every individual. Factors like age, gender, genetics, lifestyle choices, and diet can influence how thyroid disorders affect weight gain.
Each person’s experience is unique and requires a personalized approach to address the imbalance and manage the condition effectively.
Myth 2: Thyroid Problems Causes Obesity:
Fact: While Hypothyroidism can reduce the metabolism and is often linked with weight gain, it does not solely contribute to obesity. Weight gain due to it is often modest and can be managed well with proper interventions.
The thyroid hormones significantly regulate the metabolism; when the function is impaired, it slows down its functioning, leading to weight gain. While thyroid disorders can cause weight fluctuations, they rarely lead to obesity on their own. Obesity is another condition in itself and is caused due to several other factors.
Myth 3: Thyroid Hormones Mainly Contribute to Obesity
Fact: Thyroid disorders are not primarily associated with obesity. Obesity is a multifactorial problem caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. While thyroid hormones lead in regulating metabolism, other hormones contribute to the complex interplay responsible for determining body weight. So, it should not be solely blamed for causing obesity. One should evaluate all the factors that may be contributing to obesity and weight gain.
Ways to reduce the chance of having a thyroid disorder:
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Stick to a diet that is low in sugar and processed foods
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Limit your intake of cruciferous vegetables
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Find ways to reduce your stress
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Exercise three to five times a week
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Maintain a healthy body weight
One must pay special attention to one’s diet in case one has an increased chance of developing thyroid issues. It may help if one consults a professional to get a customized thyroid diet for a weight loss plan.
Conclusion:
Dispelling these myths may help individuals adopt a more comprehensive and accurate perspective on the complex interplay between thyroid function and body weight. While an underactive thyroid can contribute to weight gain, it is usually not the primary cause of severe obesity. It is important to consider various factors contributing to weight gain and implement personnel for effective management.
FAQ on Thyroid-Obesity Relationship
Is there a connection between obesity and thyroid?
Thyroid disorders are not primarily associated with obesity. Obesity is a multifactorial problem caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. While thyroid hormones lead in regulating metabolism, other hormones contribute to the complex interplay responsible for determining body weight. So, it should not be solely blamed for causing obesity. One should evaluate all the factors that may be contributing to obesity and weight gain.
Why does the thyroid increase weight?
Hypothyroidism causes a decrease in energy metabolism, or the basal metabolic rate. Individuals may experience a modest amount of weight gain prior to diagnosis because of this metabolic slowing.
How is thyroid related to weight loss?
If the thyroid gland produces more hormones than the body requires, one may lose weight unexpectedly.
