Weight Loss Fads & Myths - Is It My Thyroid?

Many of my patients ask, ‘Is my Inability to lose weight caused by a low metabolic rate and a dysfunctional thyroid metabolism’? No, this is not the case. One very common metabolism myth is that a weight gain is caused by a dysfunctional and reduced metabolism. One’s metabolic rate is fixed and genetically determined at birth. The metabolic rate does not change and a suspected dysfunctionally low metabolic rate, such as with a low thyroid hormone level, is not a cause for weight gain and an inability to lose weight. To prove this reality, have your thyroid metabolism checked for a thyroxine (T4) and a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level and be aware that for the great majority of individuals, perhaps more than 90%, the results will be normal. A higher calorie intake rather than a lower metabolic rate is the cause for a slower and reduced weight loss. Thyroid medication and other medications promoted to increase thyroid metabolism are not needed for weight loss.

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