Can hypothyroidism lead to fat gain?
A little. Thyroid problems play a negligible role in obesity.
The American Thyroid Association states:
In general, 5-10 pounds of body weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on the severity of the hypothyroidism.[1]
Most of the weight gain directly associated with thyroid issues is negligible[2][3]. In fact, the average weight loss from treatment was 4.3kg, most of which was attributed to the excretion of excess body water[4][5]
Pre-existing obesity, a diagnosis of Graves' disease and prior weight loss independently predicted weight gain and weight continued to rise with time. [2]
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References
- ^ Thyroid.org: Thyroid and Weight
- ^ a b Dale J, et al. Weight gain following treatment of hyperthyroidism . Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). (2001)
- ^ Fox CS, et al. Relations of thyroid function to body weight: cross-sectional and longitudinal observations in a community-based sample . Arch Intern Med. (2008)
- ^ Karmisholt J, Andersen S, Laurberg P. Weight loss after therapy of hypothyroidism is mainly caused by excretion of excess body water associated with myxoedema . J Clin Endocrinol Metab. (2011)
- ^ Crocker MK, Kaplowitz P. Treatment of paediatric hyperthyroidism but not hypothyroidism has a significant effect on weight . Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). (2010)