home
RSS
March 11th, 2011
12:21 PM ET

How can I lose weight if I have hypothyroidism?

Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Friday, it's Dr. Melina Jampolis, a physician nutrition specialist.

How can I lose weight when I have hypothyroidism and I can't do strenuous exercise? My doctor is still adjusting my thyroid medication, so my TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is still high at 22. Added to that, I've got heart problems and have been told by my cardiologist not to do strenuous exercise! I do a lot of walking and typically do 10,000 steps a day. I've been doing a low fat 1,400 calorie diet with no result. I was thinking about a low-carb 1,200 calorie diet and upping my steps to 15,000 a day but I'm wondering what else I can do when I can't exert myself.

Asked by Serene of Sacramento, California

Expert answer

Hi Serene,

It sounds like you are in a frustrating situation. First of all, until you are taking the appropriate dose of thyroid medication and your TSH is in the normal range (I like to see it in the mid-normal range for my patients, around 2, for those that are struggling with their weight), it will probably be very difficult for you to lose weight.

The thyroid gland plays an important role in metabolism, and if your thyroid hormone levels are low, as indicated by a high TSH (thyroid hormone normally suppresses TSH when present at normal levels), your metabolism will be low and you will not burn as many calories every day.

When your TSH gets into the normal range, however, don't expect the weight to just fall off without continued effort. I find that most of my patients have to continue working very hard to lose weight even when their TSH is in the normal range. Without knowing your age, height, weight (especially where you tend to carry your excess weight - in the hips and thighs or in the belly), it's hard to make specific recommendations.

I think trying a nutrient-dense 1,200-calorie diet with fewer starchy carbs like bread, crackers, pasta, rice, cereal and baked goods might be useful, especially if your waist is greater than 35 inches (40 inches for men). Try to eat lean protein with most meals and snacks as this can give you a slight metabolic boost and having a cup or two a day of green tea (decaf is OK if you can't tolerate caffeine) could give you a slight metabolic boost as well, especially before exercise (check with your cardiologist regarding the caffeine since I don't know the nature of your heart problem).

As far as exercise, 10,000 steps a day is terrific. If you have the time and energy to increase to 15,000 steps per day, that could help. The latest government guidelines suggest that some people may need 90 minutes per day of exercise to lose weight. If your cardiologist approves, you might consider adding in hills on a regular basis to work your muscles differently and burn more calories.

In addition, I would definitely add strength training at least twice a week to build calorie-burning muscle. If you begin a strength training program, the scale may not move right away, but it should in the long run and it will help you keep the weight off.

Finally, for optimal heart health, a low-fat diet is not the best approach. A better idea would be to follow a moderate fat diet (about 25-30%) and substitute healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty fish, olive oil and canola oil for saturated fat like butter, cheese, cream and sugary and refined carbohydrates (Choose whole grains, which are heart healthy.).


« Previous entry
soundoff (1,204 Responses)
  1. Bennett

    Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere, when i read
    this piece of writing i thought i could also create comment due to this sensible post.

    Review my web page; Thunder Slim Keto Review

    December 31, 2020 at 02:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. vreyrolinomit

    magnificent submit, very informative. I'm wondering why the opposite experts of this sector don't understand this. You should proceed your writing. I am confident, you've a huge readers' base already!

    http://www.vreyrolinomit.com/

    December 31, 2020 at 06:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Amber

    I enjoy your writing style really loving this website.

    Visit my website :: Pro Shred Keto

    December 31, 2020 at 11:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Allison

    I enjoy your writing style genuinely enjoying this site.

    My blog post ... Pro Shred Keto Review

    January 1, 2021 at 00:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. August

    I always was interested in this subject and still am, thank you for posting.

    Also visit my web site ... Space Disco Too Hard Reviews

    January 1, 2021 at 13:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Mia

    I drop a comment when I especially enjoy a article on a website or if I have something to contribute to the
    discussion. It is a result of the sincerness communicated
    in the article I browsed. And on this article How can I lose weight
    if I have hypothyroidism? – The Chart – CNN.com Blogs.
    I was excited enough to drop a thought 😉 I do have some questions for you if it's
    okay. Could it be just me or do some of these remarks appear like written by
    brain dead folks? 😛 And, if you are writing on additional online social sites, I'd like
    to keep up with you. Would you make a list
    the complete urls of all your communal sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page
    or linkedin profile?

    My web page – Pro Shred Keto Reviews

    January 1, 2021 at 14:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Norris

    Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe this amazing site needs a
    lot more attention. I'll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the advice!

    my blog :: Space Disco Too Hard Ingredients

    January 1, 2021 at 19:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Ismael

    Hiya, I'm really glad I've found this information. Today bloggers publish just
    about gossips and internet and this is really annoying.
    A good blog with interesting content, that's what I need.
    Thanks for keeping this web site, I'll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters?
    Can't find it.

    Look into my blog post ... Maxtane

    January 2, 2021 at 02:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Roscoe

    A person necessarily help to make significantly posts I'd state.

    That is the very first time I frequented your web page and to this
    point? I surprised with the analysis you made to make this actual
    post extraordinary. Excellent task!

    Visit my homepage ... Eternal Nutrition Male Enhancement Reviews

    January 2, 2021 at 04:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Adam

    Hello fantastic website! Does running a blog like this take a great deal of work?
    I've very little knowledge of coding but I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.

    Anyway, if you have any ideas or tips for new blog owners please share.

    I know this is off topic nevertheless I simply wanted to ask.
    Thanks!

    Feel free to visit my website :: Eternal Nutrition Male Enhancement Pills

    January 2, 2021 at 04:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Claudia

    What's up, for all time i used to check website posts
    here early in the daylight, because i love to find
    out more and more.

    My blog post: Erecta Rx Pills

    January 2, 2021 at 09:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Micheline

    Great ? I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website.
    I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as
    related info ended up being truly easy to do to access.
    I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the
    least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme .

    a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task.

    Feel free to visit my website Eternal Nutrition Male Enhancement

    January 2, 2021 at 17:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Lisa

    Useful info. Lucky me I discovered your website unintentionally,
    and I am surprised why this twist of fate did not came about
    in advance! I bookmarked it.

    Feel free to surf to my web site – Pro Shred Keto Reviews

    January 2, 2021 at 17:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Leonor

    Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
    I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've
    worked hard on. Any recommendations?

    Feel free to surf to my site ... Thunder Slim Keto

    January 2, 2021 at 19:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Tobias

    Why users still use to read news papers when in this technological world everything is accessible on net?

    My site; Eternal Male Enhancement

    January 2, 2021 at 22:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Deangelo

    Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for!

    My website: ErectaRx

    January 2, 2021 at 22:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Julissa

    Fine way of describing, and pleasant article to take facts about my
    presentation focus, which i am going to present in academy.

    Look at my blog – Maxtane Reviews

    January 3, 2021 at 01:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. Kent

    Hello Dear, are you genuinely visiting this website on a regular basis, if so then you will definitely
    take pleasant knowledge.

    my web site – Vital-T Male Enhancement

    January 3, 2021 at 04:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. YesBet88

    Best view i have ever seen !

    https://blackjack88.pro

    January 3, 2021 at 04:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. Audrea

    Dead pent subject material, thanks for entropy.

    Here is my web page ... Pro Shred Keto Reviews

    January 3, 2021 at 07:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Trena

    Hey there, You've done a fantastic job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to
    my friends. I am confident they'll be benefited from this website.

    Also visit my web page – Nu Slim Keto Review

    January 3, 2021 at 10:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Greg

    Actually no matter if someone doesn't be aware of then its up to other visitors that they will
    assist, so here it occurs.

    Look at my site :: Maxtane Reviews

    January 3, 2021 at 19:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Annabelle

    I absolutely love your blog.. Great colors & theme. Did you build this amazing site yourself?
    Please reply back as I'm trying to create my own site and
    would love to find out where you got this from or what the
    theme is called. Thank you!

    Feel free to surf to my webpage :: Erecta Rx

    January 3, 2021 at 19:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Margherita

    I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
    I'll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I'm quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here!

    Good luck for the next!

    Feel free to visit my page Eternal Male Enhancement

    January 4, 2021 at 03:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Donna

    I always was interested in this topic and still am, regards for posting.

    Also visit my homepage Nu Slim Keto

    January 4, 2021 at 07:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Denese

    Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest
    authoring on other sites? I have a blog centered on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my
    visitors would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot
    me an email.

    Have a look at my web blog Pro Shred Keto Review

    January 4, 2021 at 08:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Renea Bighorse

    Merely wanna remark that you have a very decent website , I love the design and style it really stands out.

    https://proxyti.com/buy/1000-private-proxies

    January 5, 2021 at 04:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Maximo

    Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my weblog thus i got here to ?return the desire?.I am trying to
    find things to improve my web site!I guess its
    adequate to make use of a few of your ideas!!

    Feel free to surf to my web site; Erecta Rx Review

    January 5, 2021 at 13:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. baccarat

    Best view i have ever seen !

    https://baccarat.best

    January 5, 2021 at 16:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Free Stuff

    Aw, this was a very nice post. In idea I wish to put in writing like this moreover ?taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article?but what can I say?I procrastinate alot and on no account seem to get something done.

    https://www.cravefreebies.com

    January 6, 2021 at 18:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Bettina

    Hello there! This post couldn?t be written much better!
    Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He always kept talking about this. I will send this post to him.
    Pretty sure he'll have a very good read. I appreciate you
    for sharing!

    My web blog :: Gold XL Male Enhancement Pills

    January 7, 2021 at 00:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Clifton

    Keep this going please, great job!

    Here is my homepage Gold XL Male Enhancement Reviews

    January 7, 2021 at 01:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. Shirleen

    This website definitely has all of the information and facts I wanted about this
    subject and didn?t know who to ask.

    Check out my blog; Gold XL

    January 7, 2021 at 01:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Ignacio

    Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really
    recognise what you're talking approximately!
    Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my site =). We will
    have a link exchange arrangement between us!

    my webpage :: Keto ES Pills Review

    January 7, 2021 at 06:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. Anna

    I adore looking at and I think this website got some really
    useful stuff on it!

    My web blog; Optimal Trim Keto

    January 7, 2021 at 13:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. roulette

    Best view i have ever seen !

    https://www.wealive.co.kr

    January 7, 2021 at 14:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. vreyrolinomit

    I'd constantly want to be update on new blog posts on this web site, saved to favorites! .

    http://www.vreyrolinomit.com/

    January 7, 2021 at 15:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. vreyrolinomit

    I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You've ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

    http://www.vreyrolinomit.com/

    January 7, 2021 at 15:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. vreyro linomit

    I have read a few excellent stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you set to make this sort of fantastic informative web site.

    http://www.vreyrolinomit.com/

    January 7, 2021 at 16:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. vreyro linomit

    Magnificent site. Lots of useful information here. I¦m sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks to your effort!

    http://www.vreyrolinomit.com/

    January 7, 2021 at 16:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Melisa

    I have learn several good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting.
    I surprise how a lot attempt you set to make one of these magnificent informative website.

    Here is my blog post – Optimal Trim Keto BHB

    January 7, 2021 at 17:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. vreyro linomit

    It’s really a great and useful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

    http://www.vreyrolinomit.com/

    January 7, 2021 at 18:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Jackson Galustian

    Ich überlege serum

    https://kon-sens.com/de/shop/multi-vitamin-serum/

    January 8, 2021 at 08:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Maryellen Engelbrecht

    Können Sie ein gutes Produkt für Akne Produkte empfehlen?

    https://hederavita.ch/wie-du-den-hautausschlag-mit-naturmitteln-behandeln-kannst/

    January 8, 2021 at 08:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. Heath Newland

    Excellent items from you, man. I have consider your stuff prior to and you are just too wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired right here, certainly like what you are saying and the way during which you say it. You are making it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I can not wait to learn much more from you. That is really a terrific site.

    https://dreamproxies.com/buy-proxies/1000-private-proxies

    January 8, 2021 at 10:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. vreyrolinomit

    You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!

    http://www.vreyrolinomit.com/

    January 8, 2021 at 10:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. Jett

    Excellent post. I was checking continuously this
    blog and I am impressed! Very helpful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information much.
    I was looking for this particular information for
    a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

    Here is my web site: Peak NO Boost

    January 8, 2021 at 15:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. vreyrolinomit

    I visited a lot of website but I believe this one contains something extra in it in it

    http://www.vreyrolinomit.com/

    January 8, 2021 at 20:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. AqwsEncox

    canadian pharmacy generic viagra pharmacy discount card canada drugs

    January 9, 2021 at 03:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Toby

    Useful info. Fortunate me I found your site accidentally, and I am shocked
    why this accident didn't happened earlier! I bookmarked it.

    Here is my site :: Optimal Trim Keto BHB

    January 9, 2021 at 06:15 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Leave a Reply to Maisha Potra


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

« Previous entry
Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.