How to lose weight in hypothyroidism

A thyroid gland is the size of a walnut and is present in our neck. This gland works to control metabolism. When there is a problem in the functioning of this gland, then the weight of the person may start increasing. Thyroid disorders are mainly of two types - hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. When a person has hypothyroidism, the patient experiences a reduced appetite and gains weight. Whereas a person who suffers from hyperthyroidism feels more hungry and loses weight continuously. These disorders also have other symptoms but the main ones are associated with hunger and weight.

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There is no need to follow any special diet to lose weight in hypothyroidism. You can reduce your weight by just making small changes in your regular diet such as:

More fiber: Include foods in your diet that have plenty of fiber content. Fiber intake is absolutely safe for thyroid patients. A person can include food items rich in fiber in their diet like avocado, strawberry, apple, banana, carrot, broccoli, kidney beans, oats, almonds, chia seeds, etc.

Less carbohydrates and sugar: Low glycemic diet means a diet that keeps cholesterol levels normal in the body, reduces weight, reduces the risk of cancer and also reduces the chances of heart problems. For this, people add apples, kiwis, broccoli, carrots, strawberries, rice, dairy products like milk, curd and cheese, coconut milk, soy milk, almond milk, whole grain pasta, etc. in their diet. All these have been included in the low glycemic diet as the number of carbohydrates and sugar inside them is limited.

Protein-rich foods: Protein-rich foods can be of great help to you in preventing the increasing weight due to hypothyroidism. It not only helps in building muscles but also in strengthening the muscles that become weak due to hypothyroidism. In such a situation, you can add protein-rich foods like eggs, almonds, oats, milk, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, fish, peanuts, etc to your diet.

Foods rich in healthy fats: By adding healthy fats to your diet, one can keep the lipid levels in the body balanced and prevent the effects of hypothyroidism. In such cases, you can add avocado, cheese, dark chocolate, egg, nuts, chia seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, coconut etc. to your diet as healthy fat foods.

(Read more: Diet for hypothyroidism)

To lose weight in hypothyroidism, along with making changes in your diet, it is necessary to make exercise a part of your routine. Lifting dumbbells or weights can help in increasing muscle tone. It can also strengthen bones and improve metabolism. However, to find out which type of exercise is right for you if you have hypothyroidism, take the help of an expert. If you are adding calories to your diet, then take care of exactly how many. You can also consult a nutritionist to help you choose the right diet.

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