Weight Loss
Information on Weight Loss
Weight Loss
Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health, or physical fitness, refers to a reduction of the total body mass, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon, and other connective tissue. Weight loss can either occur unintentionally due to malnourishment or an underlying disease or arise from a conscious effort to improve an actual or perceived overweight or obese state. "Unexplained" weight loss that is not caused by reduction in calorific intake or exercise is called cachexia and may be a symptom of a serious medical condition. Intentional weight loss is commonly referred to as slimming.
Techniques
The least intrusive weight loss methods, and those most often recommended, are adjustments to eating patterns and increased physical activity, generally in the form of exercise. The World Health Organization recommended that people combine a reduction of processed foods high in saturated fats, sugar and salt and caloric content of the diet with an increase in physical activity.
An increase in fiber intake is also recommended for regulating bowel movements. Other methods of weight loss include use of drugs and supplements that decrease appetite, block fat absorption, or reduce stomach volume. Bariatric surgery may be indicated in cases of severe obesity. Two common bariatric surgical procedures are gastric bypass and gastric banding. Both can be effective at limiting the intake of food energy by reducing the size of the stomach, but as with any surgical procedure both come with their own risks that should be considered in consultation with a physician. Dietary supplements, though widely used, are not considered a healthy option for weight loss. Many are available, but very few are effective in the long term.
Virtual gastric band uses hypnosis to make the brain think the stomach is smaller than it really is and hence lower the amount of food ingested. This brings as a consequence weight reduction. This method is complemented with psychological treatment for anxiety management and with hypnopedia. Research has been conducted into the use of hypnosis as a weight management alternative. In 1996 a study found that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective for weight reduction if reinforced with hypnosis. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT, a mindfulness approach to weight loss, has also in the last few years been demonstrating its usefulness.
Weight loss issues related to specific diseases
· As chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) advances, about 35% of patients experience severe weight loss called pulmonary cachexia, including diminished muscle mass. Around 25% experience moderate to severe weight loss, and most others have some weight loss. Greater weight loss is associated with poorer prognosis. Theories about contributing factors include appetite loss related to reduced activity, additional energy required for breathing, and the difficulty of eating with dyspnea (labored breathing).
· Cancer, a very common and sometimes fatal cause of unexplained (idiopathic) weight loss. About one-third of unintentional weight loss cases are secondary to malignancy. Cancers to suspect in patients with unexplained weight loss include gastrointestinal, prostate, hepatobiliary (hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer), ovarian, hematologic or lung malignancies.
· People with HIV often experience weight loss, and it is associated with poorer outcomes. Wasting syndrome is an AIDS-defining condition.
· Gastrointestinal disorders are another common cause of unexplained weight loss – in fact they are the most common non-cancerous cause of idiopathic weight loss.[citation needed] Possible gastrointestinal etiologies of unexplained weight loss include: celiac disease, peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease (crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), pancreatitis, gastritis, diarrhea and many other GI conditions.
· Infection. Some infectious diseases can cause weight loss. Fungal illnesses, endocarditis, many parasitic diseases, AIDS, and some other subacute or occult infections may cause weight loss.
· Renal disease. Patients who have uremia often have poor or absent appetite, vomiting and nausea. This can cause weight loss.
· Cardiac disease. Cardiovascular disease, especially congestive heart failure, may cause unexplained weight loss.
· Connective tissue disease.
· Neurologic disease, including dementia.
· Oral, taste or dental problems (including infections) can reduce nutrient intake leading to weight loss.
Therapy
Medical treatment can directly or indirectly cause weight loss, impairing treatment effectiveness and recovery that can lead to further weight loss in a vicious cycle. Many patients will be in pain and have a loss of appetite after surgery. Part of the body's response to surgery is to direct energy to wound healing, which increases the body's overall energy requirements. Surgery affects nutritional status indirectly, particularly during the recovery period, as it can interfere with wound healing and other aspects of recovery. Surgery directly affects nutritional status if a procedure permanently alters the digestive system. Enteral nutrition (tube feeding) is often needed. However, a policy of 'nil by mouth' for all gastrointestinal surgery has not been shown to benefit, with some suggestion it might hinder recovery. Early post-operative nutrition is a part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols. These protocols also include carbohydrate loading in the 24 hours before surgery, but earlier nutritional interventions have not been shown to have a significant impact.
Some medications can cause weight loss, while others can cause weight gain
Thyroid
1. When Your Thyroid Goes Awry
3. Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss
1. When Your Thyroid Goes Awry
Does fatigue drag you down day after day? Do you have brain fog, weight gain, chills, or hair loss? Or is the opposite true for you: Are you often revved up, sweaty, or anxious? Your thyroid gland could be to blame. This great regulator of body and mind sometimes goes haywire, particularly in women. Getting the right treatment is critical to feel your best and avoid serious health problems.
2. What Is the Thyroid Gland?
3. Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss
1. When Your Thyroid Goes Awry
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that control the speed of your metabolism -- the system that helps the body use energy. Thyroid disorders can slow down or rev up metabolism by disrupting the production of thyroid hormones. When hormone levels become too low or too high, you may experience a wide range of symptoms.
3. Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss
3. Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss
3. Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss
An unexplained change in weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder. Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly. This is known as hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is far more common.
4. Swelling in the Neck
6. Changes in Energy or Mood
3. Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss
A swelling or enlargement in the neck is a visible clue that something may be wrong with the thyroid. A goiter may occur with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Sometimes swelling in the neck can result from thyroid cancer or nodules, lumps that grow inside the thyroid. It can also be due to a cause unrelated to the thyroid.
5. Changes in Heart Rate
6. Changes in Energy or Mood
6. Changes in Energy or Mood
Thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in the body and can influence how quickly the heart beats. People with hypothyroidism may notice their heart rate is slower than usual. Hyperthyroidism may cause the heart to speed up. It can also trigger increased blood pressure and the sensation of a pounding heart, or other types of heart palpitations.
6. Changes in Energy or Mood
6. Changes in Energy or Mood
6. Changes in Energy or Mood
Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.
Thyroid
7. Hair Loss
8. Feeling Too Cold or Hot
8. Feeling Too Cold or Hot
Hair loss is another sign that thyroid hormones may be out of balance. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair to fall out. In most cases, the hair will grow back once the thyroid disorder is treated.
8. Feeling Too Cold or Hot
8. Feeling Too Cold or Hot
8. Feeling Too Cold or Hot
Thyroid disorders can disrupt the ability to regulate body temperature. People with hypothyroidism may feel cold more often than usual. Hyperthyroidism tends to have the opposite effect, causing excessive sweating and an aversion to heat.
9. Hypothyroidism
8. Feeling Too Cold or Hot
10. Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism can cause many other symptoms, including:
· Dry skin and brittle nails
· Numbness or tingling in the hands
· Constipation
· Abnormal menstrual periods.
10. Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
10. Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
10. Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can also cause additional symptoms, such as:
· Muscle weakness or trembling hands
· Vision problems
· Diarrhea
Irregular menstrual periods
11. Thyroid Disorder or Menopause?
10. Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
11. Thyroid Disorder or Menopause?
Because thyroid disorders can cause changes in menstrual cycle and mood, the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for menopause. If a thyroid problem is suspected, a simple blood test can determine whether the true culprit is menopause or a thyroid disorder -- or a combination of the two.
12. Who Should Be Tested?
10. Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
11. Thyroid Disorder or Menopause?
If you think you have symptoms of a thyroid problem, ask your doctor if you should be tested. People with symptoms or risk factors may need tests more often. Hypothyroidism more frequently affects women over age 60. Hyperthyroidism is also more common in women. A family history raises your risk of either disorder.
Thyroid
13. Thyroid Neck Check
14. Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders
14. Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders
A careful look in the mirror may help you spot an enlarged thyroid that needs a doctor's attention. Tip your head back, take a drink of water, and as you swallow, examine your neck below the Adam's apple and above the collarbone. Look for bulges or protrusions, then repeat the process a few times. See a doctor promptly if you see a bulge or lump.
14. Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders
14. Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders
14. Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders
If your doctor suspects a thyroid disorder, a blood test can help provide an answer. This test measures the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a kind of master hormone that regulates the work of the thyroid gland. If TSH is high, it typically means that your thyroid function is too low (hypothyroid). If TSH is low, then it generally means the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroid.) Your doctor may also check levels of other thyroid hormones in your blood. In some cases, imaging studies are used and biopsies are taken to evaluate a thyroid abnormality.
15. Hashimoto's Disease
14. Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders
16. Other Causes of Hypothyroidism
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease. This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the thyroid gland. The result is damage to the thyroid, preventing it from producing enough hormones. Hashimoto's disease tends to run in families.
16. Other Causes of Hypothyroidism
18. Other Causes of Hyperthyroidism
16. Other Causes of Hypothyroidism
In some cases, hypothyroidism results from a problem with the pituitary gland, which is at the base of the brain. This gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which tells the thyroid to do its job. If your pituitary gland does not produce enough TSH, levels of thyroid hormones will fall. Other causes of hypothyroidism include temporary inflammation of the thyroid or medications that affect thyroid function
17. Graves' Disease
18. Other Causes of Hyperthyroidism
18. Other Causes of Hyperthyroidism
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. This is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland and triggers the release of high levels of thyroid hormones. One of the hallmarks of Graves' disease is a visible and uncomfortable swelling behind the ey
18. Other Causes of Hyperthyroidism
18. Other Causes of Hyperthyroidism
18. Other Causes of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can also result from thyroid nodules. These are lumps that develop inside the thyroid and sometimes begin producing thyroid hormones. Large lumps may create a noticeable goiter. Smaller lumps can be detected with ultrasound. A thyroid uptake and scan can tell if the lump is producing too much thyroid hormone.
Thyroid
19. Thyroid Disorder Complications
19. Thyroid Disorder Complications
19. Thyroid Disorder Complications
When left untreated, hypothyroidism can raise cholesterol levels and make you more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. In severe cases, very low levels of thyroid hormones can trigger a loss of consciousness and life-threatening drop in body temperature. Untreated hyperthyroidism can cause serious heart problems and brittle bones.
20. Treating Hypothyroidism
19. Thyroid Disorder Complications
19. Thyroid Disorder Complications
If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your doctor will most likely prescribe thyroid hormones in the form of a pill. This usually leads to noticeable improvements within a couple of weeks. Long-term treatment can result in more energy, lower cholesterol levels, and gradual weight loss. Most people with hypothyroidism will need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives.
21. Treating Hyperthyroidism
19. Thyroid Disorder Complications
22. Surgery for Thyroid Disorders
The most common option in treating adults is radioactive iodine, which destroys the thyroid gland over the course of 6 to 18 weeks. Once the gland is destroyed, or removed by surgery, most patients must begin taking thyroid hormones in pill form. Another common treatment for hyperthyroidism is antithyroid medication, which aims to lower the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid. The condition may eventually go away, but many people need to remain on medication for the long term. Other drugs may be given to reduce symptoms such as rapid pulse and tremors.
22. Surgery for Thyroid Disorders
22. Surgery for Thyroid Disorders
22. Surgery for Thyroid Disorders
Removing the thyroid gland can cure hyperthyroidism, but the procedure is only recommended if antithyroid drugs don't work, or if there is a large goiter. Surgery may also be recommended for patients with thyroid nodules. Once the thyroid is removed, most patients require daily supplements of thyroid hormones to avoid developing hypothyroidism.
23. What About Thyroid Cancer?
22. Surgery for Thyroid Disorders
23. What About Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is uncommon and is among the least deadly. The main symptom is a lump or swelling in the neck, and only about 5% of thyroid nodules turn out to be cancerous. When thyroid cancer is diagnosed, it is most often treated with surgery followed by radioactive iodine therapy or, in some cases, external radiation therapy.
Foods That Help or Hurt Your Thyroid
Salt
Leafy Greens
Leafy Greens
Your thyroid needs iodine to work well. Most people get enough of this element from their diet, usually through fish and dairy products. Make sure you’re using iodized table salt at home. You can tell by looking at the label.
Leafy Greens
Leafy Greens
Leafy Greens
Spinach, lettuce, and other examples are great sources of magnesium, an all-star mineral that plays a huge role in your body processes. Fatigue, muscle cramps, and changes in your heartbeat could be signs that you're not getting enough.
Nuts
Leafy Greens
Seafood
Cashews, almonds, and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of iron. Brazil nuts help your thyroid in two ways. Not only are they a good source of iron, but they're also rich in selenium, another mineral that supports your thyroid. Just a few each day give you the selenium you need.
Seafood
Seafood
Seafood
Fish, shrimp, and seaweed are great sources of iodine. You need iodine for a healthy thyroid, but avoid large amounts of iodine-rich choices like kelp. That may make your condition worse.
Kale
Seafood
Kale
Could that superstar among superfoods, actually not be quite so awesome? Kale is a mild goitrogen -- in rare cases it prevents the thyroid from getting enough iodine. But kale shouldn't be a problem for you unless you get very little iodine in your diet and you’re eating large amounts of kale. This is also the case for cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
Soy
Seafood
Kale
In rare cases, some of the chemicals found in soy products like soy milk or edamame could hurt your thyroid’s ability to make hormones, but only if you don't get enough iodine and eat large amounts. Just like with kale, if your iodine levels are OK, you probably don’t need to worry about soy.
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Organ Meats
Thyroid Medication and Your Food
Gluten and Your Thyroid
If you eat things like kidneys, heart, or liver, you might get a lot of lipoic acid. That's a fatty acid in these and some other foods. You can also buy it as a supplement. But if you get too much, it could mess with the way your thyroid works. Lipoic acid could also affect any thyroid medicines you take.
Gluten and Your Thyroid
Thyroid Medication and Your Food
Gluten and Your Thyroid
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Unless you've been diagnosed with celiac disease, it probably won’t affect your thyroid. Gluten can damage the small intestines of people with celiac disease. They can have other autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s disease (which leads to an underactive thyroid) and Graves' disease (which leads to an overactive thyroid). If you have celiac disease, a gluten-free diet may help prevent these thyroid diseases.
Thyroid Medication and Your Food
Thyroid Medication and Your Food
Thyroid Medication and Your Food
The foods you eat can affect your thyroid medicine. They can slow down how your body absorbs medicine. It can also affect how well it does it.
- Take medicine on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning.
- Some vitamins and antacids can also prevent your medicine from working.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about timing your food and other meds around your thyroid treatment.
Thyroid
Exercises for an Under-active Thyroid
If you have an under active thyroid, a condition called hypothyroidism, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind. After all, symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and joint and muscle pain don’t make you want to get up and go.
But experts say that physical activity can help you feel better.
What Type of Workout Should I Do?
If your condition is well controlled, you should be able to do the same physical activity as someone without a thyroid disorder, says John C. Morris, MD, professor of medicine and endocrinology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
But if you’re just starting an exercise plan or if you’re still dealing with symptoms, low-impact aerobic exercise and strengthening moves are best.
“Low-impact exercise doesn’t apply as much pressure,” says Norma Lopez, MD, an associate professor of endocrinology and metabolism at Loyola University Medical Center. “That’s key, since hypothyroidism can cause pain and swelling in your muscles and joints.”
Try these activities:
Walking: One of the easiest workouts to do. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes. It gets your heart pumping and burns about 280 calories an hour.
Water aerobics: If you have swelling in your ankles or feet, some exercises may be painful. Water aerobics is a good option. The water holds you up and lowers the impact on your joints.
Yoga: This can stretch and strengthen your muscles. It also helps you focus on breathing. One study found that people with hypothyroidism had better lung strength after practicing yoga breathing for 6 months.
Tai chi: Described as “moving meditation,” this slow-motion form of martial arts is a proven stress-buster. Research shows it can help improve strength, balance, and mood.
Strength training: Whether you lift weights or use your body weight, building muscle helps you burn more calories -- even when you’re sitting still. And that can help you shed extra pounds. Strong muscles also help ease pressure on your joints.
Why Should You Get Moving?
While medication from your doctor is the only way to help your body make more hormones, exercise can help some of the problems that come with hypothyroidism, Morris says.
Working out 3 hours a week for 3 months can put you in better physical and mental health and raise your quality of life.
There are many ways exercise can help:
Boost your mood. “An under active thyroid can cause feelings of depression and anxiety,” Lopez says. Exercise lowers stress and helps your body make more endorphins. This lifts your mood and zaps those sad and anxious feelings.
Help you lose weight. A slow metabolism can cause weight gain and make it hard to shed pounds. Exercise burns calories and builds muscle, which can help you slim down.
Increase your energy. Fighting fatigue or sluggishness? Low-intensity aerobic exercise can help. People who rode an exercise bike for 20 minutes, three times a week, had more energy and less fatigue.
How Can You Get Started?
Before you start any workout routine, see your doctor.
“You need to make sure that your hypothyroidism is under control,” Lopez says. You should have a thyroid that works normally through thyroid-hormone replacement medications before you start.
If you don’t, exercise may make you feel worse. For instance, going for a run could make your already-aching joints hurt even more, Lopez says. Because an under active thyroid often causes shortness of breath, a return to exercise before you’re ready could cause you to wheeze through a workout.
Also, check with your doctor before taking any supplements, like protein powders, to boost your workouts. Some nutrients, like the soy found in shakes, can stop your medications from working like they should, Lopez says.
As with any new exercise routine, start slow. Take breaks if you need them, and stop if it hurts. Once you feel more comfortable, build up to longer, harder workouts.
