Does Hypothyroidism causes weight gain?

 Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is a condition when the thyroid gland in the human body doesn’t make enough hormone named thyroid. it is butterfly shaped gland found in the front region of neck. It controls the way one’s body make use of energy. It has an impact on almost all the organs of the body even your heart. Early symptoms go unnoticed but later on develops into high cholesterol and heart problems. 

The correct way to diagnose this condition is by blood tests and is treated by hormone medicine which is mostly safe and effective. 

Symptoms

Hypothyroidism is a condition that develops slowly and takes years to develop.

Initially, a person with this condition will start gaining weight and suffer fatigue. As you age, the more obvious symptoms may appear that includes the following:

• Tiredness
• Increased Sensitivity to cold 
• Constipation 
• dry skin
• weight gain 
• Swollen face
• Coarse hair, skin and even voice
• Muscle weakness 
• Muscle aches
• Irregular and heavy menstrual cycle 
• Bradycardia which is slowed heart rate 
• depression 
• memory issues

Hypothyroidism in infants

Infants have these condition dues to being born with the gland or incapable gland. If this isn't diagnosed early then the following symptoms will eventually appear:

• poor growth
• weight gain issues
• feeding problems
• constipation
• dry skin
• yellowing of the skin and white of the eyes
• soft swelling near navel

It is important to get proper treatment otherwise physical and mental development problems will result eventually.

Hypothyroidism in children and teens

There symptoms match the symptoms of an adult. Symptoms include 

• Short stature due to poor growth
• Delayed development of permanent teeth
• Delayed puberty 
• Poor mental development

Causes of hypothyroidism

The numerous reasons include

·        Hashimoto disease (an autoimmune disease)

·        Inflammation of the thyroid called as thyroiditis

·        Congenital hypothyroidism meaning its present since birth

·        Surgical removal of thyroid or part of it

·        Radiation treatment of thyroid

·        Medicine

·        Iodine intake

Impact of diet and nutrition on hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormone. However, if a person suffers from any autoimmune thyroid disease then they develop sensitivity to iodine and it impacts negatively on the body. High dose of iodine in diet plan or even iodine related supplements can worse the condition.

Thyroid and weight gain

As discussed earlier, body uses food as energy even during the periods of rest as organs uses energy to maintain life. This is known as the basal metabolic rate (BMR). BMR has an impact on energy balance. As the BMR is higher, more calories are burned leading to weight loss whereas when BMR is low, low calories burned leading to weight gain. So, when a person has thyroid disorders, high thyroid hormone eventually rises BMR and low thyroid hormones decreases BMR. Consequently, low BMR leads to weight gain in thyroid disorder individuals.