The most common symptom associated with hypothyroidism is weight gain and thus, is referred to as the hypothyroidism weight gain. As it is known that the hypothyroidism is the disorder caused due to the inadequate production of the thyroid hormone present inside the neck.

The thyroid hormones are responsible for various activities of our body like the metabolic action, brain development and the growth of the body. If the hormones are inadequately produced all these processes are affected. As the name suggests and it is known that the amount of the hormones produced is lesser, so the metabolic rate is also reduces and hence the heat and the energy that the body produces are also reduced. As a result of this the calories burnt are reduced and it becomes difficult to reduce weight.

Apart from reduced metabolic action, the problem of water retention also arises and results in hypothyroidism weight gain. The hypothyroidism weight gain does not affect every individual in the same manner; it has been observed that the weight gain in this case depends on the following factors:

• Individual biochemistry
• Types of the calories consumed
• The way in which calories are utilized

In such cases, even dieting does not affect the weight gain i.e., the weight reduction does not take place even during dieting instead dieting further reduces the metabolic rate, thus increasing more weight. As is a known fact that hypothyroidism occurs more in women as compared to men, so the hypothyroidism weight gain is caused due to the following factors:

• Females spend much of their life while dieting and all of a sudden feasting as a result of which, the metabolism rate is affected a compounding factor for thyroid during the menopausal stages.
• Stress is a major factor and during the stressed out conditions of the mind more of the adrenaline is released as a result of which the want for sweets and other carbohydrates increases and metabolism is affected.
• A woman’s body is sensitive to the balance between estrogen and progesterone and if there is a condition of stress then it triggers the signal to the brain as a result of which problems related to the production of thyroid gland are caused in the body.

The hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by carrying out a blood test which tests the level of TSH or T4 inside our body. The hypothyroidism weight gain can be controlled by taking into consideration the following factors:

• By taking the suitable medication
• By taking a well balanced and a planned diet as prescribed by the physician and it does not mean starving yourself.
• By following a planned exercise regimen.

Since, the hypothyroidism affects the metabolic rates, so, in order to increase the metabolic rate walking is prescribed as it increases the metabolic rate. As far as the diet is concerned it should be a low carbohydrates diet as the proteins and fats require more energy to burn up hence enhancing the metabolic rates.

So, the hypothyroidism affected individuals should undergo regular blood tests and should take care of their health and diet.