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What Causes Weight Gain Despite Exercising In A Person With Hypothyroidism?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Sep 2015
Question: i am 69 and have some elevated lfts, had normal liver u/s. Diagnose with hypothyroid 2 yrs ago, tsh in good range with levothyroixine. I am no longer tired but my weight is increasing. I exercise vigorously 4 to 5 days a week, hiking in mts and wt training. Can still do same type of routines I did 30 yrs ago. Very careful with my diet, but still cannot lose wt. Never been a problem before. I work out as hard as any 40 yr old Help!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Thyroid levels might still be a factor.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

It is good to hear that even at the age of 69 years, you are very fit and active. Thyroid is a gland that controls our metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland performs less and hence the metabolism decreases. Hence, inspite of your working out, some amount of energy is still conserved. When the amount of energy taken in as food is greater than the total energy expenditure, weight gain results. Needless to say that you need to cut down on your food intake.

I would be glad if you could specifically mention the details of the levels of TSH and T4 along with the dose of levothyroxine. I would also like to know the specifics of the LFT derangements. Also mention if you drink alcohol. The answers will help me in better answering your query.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (3 hours later)
for specifics 1st blood test 9/19/14 tsh1.74 ranges for al to follow 2.50-5.60pg/ml free t3 2.53 ranges 2.50-3.90 . free t4 1.0 range 0.6 to 1.6.Placed on levothyroixine .25 mcg daily, next tests 12/22/14 tsh 1.74, free t3 2.53 ,free t4 1.0. dosage increase to levothyroine 0.25mcg alternate daily with .05mcg. 3/23/15 tsh 2.87, free t4 1.0, free t3 2.87, no change in medicine. I weight 125 and eat no more then 4 meals to consume 1300-1500 calories per day. I have an occassional drink, i measure out 1 shot of vodka and use diet donic. I drink 80 oz of water daily. all whole grains. Almost a nut about the content and amount of my food. I am 5 ft tall. Questions, is generic thyroid as good, do I need to consider armour thyroid, can these levels be better titrated, do I need a good endocrinologist. This is done by my pcp. Liver functions started creaking up 3/23/15 bun 7-25 i am 33. creatinine 101 range .44 to 103. alt range 7-52, i am 55 gfrmord54 shoud be ,>60gamma gt 58 range 9-64 hepatitis panel all negative. I did see nephrologist and did 24hr unit she said is fine. MY right kidney is slightly small, but my 43 yr old born with absent r kidney. Have no family history. I know many people who cannot go back to normal wt after this, I dont want this. hope this feels in the picture.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The thyroid reports as well as the LFT reports do not seem alarming

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

I have checked the details. Your PCP seems to be treating the thyroid ailment correctly. The control is proper and I do not think that you need to worry about that. If you still wish to see a good endocrinologist, it is a different issue altogether.

The LFT report seems overall fine and I do not find anything worth worrying about. I would insist you to relax. No intervention is required about it. However, although your alcohol intake is limited, the first thing to do in case you wish to improve your LFT reports is to cut down entirely on the alcohol intake.

Try to maintain your energy output on one hand and to minimize your food intake on the other. I am sure that you would be able to stay in good health.

Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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What Causes Weight Gain Despite Exercising In A Person With Hypothyroidism?

Brief Answer: Thyroid levels might still be a factor. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. It is good to hear that even at the age of 69 years, you are very fit and active. Thyroid is a gland that controls our metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland performs less and hence the metabolism decreases. Hence, inspite of your working out, some amount of energy is still conserved. When the amount of energy taken in as food is greater than the total energy expenditure, weight gain results. Needless to say that you need to cut down on your food intake. I would be glad if you could specifically mention the details of the levels of TSH and T4 along with the dose of levothyroxine. I would also like to know the specifics of the LFT derangements. Also mention if you drink alcohol. The answers will help me in better answering your query. Regards