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How to Lose Weight With a Thyroid Condition

If you have a thyroid condition, weight changes are probably one of your more noticeable symptoms. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is generally associated with weight loss. Hypothyroidism is a condition where your body does not make enough of the thyroid hormone. One of the most common side effects is weight gain.

Things You'll Need

  • Journal
  • Scale
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Instructions

  1. Calories

    • 1

      Determine the amount of calories your body needs to use in a day and know that you will need to consume less to begin losing weight with if you have hypothyroidism. This number can change daily, depending on how much activity you engage in. Consider the types of food you are eating as well. Do not engage in a crash diet (1,200 calories per day or less), as this is impossible to keep up long-term and is also unhealthy.

    • 2

      Begin a food journal. Record what you eat and how much you eat. If you know you have to write it down, sometimes that is enough to keep you from eating empty calories. After a week, compare each day's calories with each day's expenditure of energy, and you will be able to see where you need to make adjustments to lose weight.

    • 3

      Weigh yourself regularly. The best time to weigh yourself is in the morning. Record your weight in your exercise log, and compare each day's weight as you did with each day's calorie intake. This will help you see your progress.

    • 4

      Exercise every day; no excuses. Spend at least 20 minutes to 30 minutes exercising each day, whether it's a walk around the neighborhood, taking the stairs or parking farther away from the store. Sneak in exercise wherever you can.

    • 5

      Ask your doctor what your ideal weight or healthiest weight range should be. Discuss your eating and exercise habits with your doctor so you can both determine where improvements can be made. Request a stress test, as this will help you determine where you stand within your age group's range.

    • 6

      Use an online calculator to determine your basal metabolic rate, or how many calories you burn as you move throughout your day. The Mayo Clinic provides free access to an online health calculator at mayoclinic.com.

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