End Fatigue

Low Thyroid and Weight Gain—Despite Normal Tests

A low normal thyroid will pack an AVERAGE 12.5 extra pounds on most women. This is one more reason I recommend a trial of thyroid hormone in unexplained weight gain. The thyroid is pretty safe if used as directed, but the untreated low thyroid can kill you. While you're saving your life with thyroid hormone, it can help you lose weight too;-)

In this study, modest increases of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) within the normal range was associated with weight gain. This study looked at 2,047 people with normal TSH levels and then checked them again 3.5 years later. Women whose TSH blood test put them in the highest quarter of the population (high TSH means low thyroid) weighed an average 12.5 pounds more than those in the lowest quarter (6 pounds higher weight in men). The study was reported in the March 24 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

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Reference:

Arch Intern Med. 2008;168:568-569, 587-592.