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Blood Work Showed Severe Hypothyroid 55.7. Can I Lose Weight?
Posted on
Mon, 24 Sep 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 24 Sep 2012
Answered on
Tue, 5 Feb 2013
Last reviewed on
Question : i had blood work done and came back noted noted severe hypothyroid 55.7 when normal was .4 to 4.5 range i am now on medication can i expect to loose much weight very fast or if when corrected wont gain weight 5'3" 155lbs 46 yrs i want to have a tummy tuck but wonder if i should wait
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
You have primary hypothyroidism and you need to be on lifelong supplementation of thyroid hormone. Weight gain is a complex process. It is usually due to life style factors excess calorie intake, less exercise and a genetic predisposition.
Hypothyroidism can lead to substantial weight gain if it leads to reduced exercise and or increased food intake.
But if a person is able maintain the previous level of physical activity and food intake there is usually a marginal weight gain of 3-4 pounds on account of water retention.
You are overweight by around 20 -30 pounds based on your height.
It's usually very hard to lose ALL the extra weight, you can aim for a 8 to 10 percent weight loss but thyroid hormone supplementation alone may not suffice and you need to start on a diet and exercise program.
Usually if you are trying hard your peak weight loss will happen by the sixth month .
I suggest you wait until then and make sure your TSH is in the normal range before you go for the cosmetic surgical procedure.
Regards
Dr. Anantharaman
Thanks for writing in.
You have primary hypothyroidism and you need to be on lifelong supplementation of thyroid hormone. Weight gain is a complex process. It is usually due to life style factors excess calorie intake, less exercise and a genetic predisposition.
Hypothyroidism can lead to substantial weight gain if it leads to reduced exercise and or increased food intake.
But if a person is able maintain the previous level of physical activity and food intake there is usually a marginal weight gain of 3-4 pounds on account of water retention.
You are overweight by around 20 -30 pounds based on your height.
It's usually very hard to lose ALL the extra weight, you can aim for a 8 to 10 percent weight loss but thyroid hormone supplementation alone may not suffice and you need to start on a diet and exercise program.
Usually if you are trying hard your peak weight loss will happen by the sixth month .
I suggest you wait until then and make sure your TSH is in the normal range before you go for the cosmetic surgical procedure.
Regards
Dr. Anantharaman
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
Answered by
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