If you are worried about your thyroid, think it may be causing you to gain weight or have noticed your thyroid numbers changing as you lose weight, read on.

In addition to weight gain and stalled weight loss, low thyroid hormone levels, known as hypothyroidism, can cause you to suffer from feelings of cold, constipation, brain fog (memory or concentration issues), fatigue and lack of motivation among other things. You may also notice excessive sleep, feelings of or actual clinical depression, hair loss, mood swings or dry skin.

Thyroid dysfunction is estimated to affect up to 15% of the population at some point in their lifetime. Women are up to eight times more likely to be affected than men, and the numbers go up as you age. While that is a lot of people, some estimate that more than half of those with thyroid dysfunction do not know they have it. Incredibly, thyroxine, the most frequently used medication to treat hypothyroidism, is already one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the country.

So, why so much thyroid dysfunction? Is the thyroid the true culprit for our obesity epidemic? Or is it the victim?

The thyroid gland is in the lower front end of the neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for communicating with nearly every cell of your body, and they regulate the speed of all the biologic machinery that makes you function. Unfortunately, with a plague of chronic stress, nutritionally depleted food sources, contaminated water and frequently toxic environments, our thyroid may not be functioning how we would like it to.

While there are many hormones that play a role in the production of or suppression of thyroid function, the hormones directly involved include thyroid secreting hormone, T4 and T3. The later two can also be measured as free T4, free T3 and reverse T3. TSH is the hormone that stimulates secretion of thyroid hormone and is the most frequently tested hormone when assessing thyroid health. The problem is that this hormone doesnt show the whole picture.

TSH levels can remain within range despite significant thyroid dysfunction and sometimes look off despite normal function, particularly when recovering from obesity.

When assessing thyroid health or looking for an autoimmune cause of dysfunction, the measurable thyroid hormones and antibodies should all be ordered. Even if the correct tests are run, only a partial picture, of the thyroid state of being can be revealed. There are myriad additional labs that could be ordered to help complete the picture including sex hormones and nutrition labs, but even with all this information some aspects of thyroid function are not fully known, and the interaction with food and energy consumption is one of them. To understand each individual situation, the symptoms, labs and history must be considered.

So what happens when you lose weight, and does weight loss cause hypothyroidism? You can be fairly certain that your hormone levels will drop with weight loss. This is often normal and can be completely explained by the higher hormone levels associated with obesity beginning to normalize with successfully achieving optimal body alignment. Reduction in hormone levels could merely represent your body coming back to homeostasis. However, some weight loss can result in worsening thyroid function to varying degrees. According to Dr. Doug Lucas, PHD Weight Loss chief science officer, two factors worth considering are: 1) the extent of calorie restriction and 2) the type of dietary fat consumed. These two items appear to play the largest roles in determining the deleterious effects of weight loss on your thyroid. Choosing the right approach can separate weight loss and maintenance successes from failure.

Severe calorie restriction and the consumption of highly processed polyunsaturated fats (e.g., vegetable oils) can negatively affect the thyroid. Research shows that carbohydrate restriction alone, and especially when done with healthy dietary fat consumption, will have much less effect on T3 levels and function. If you experience reduced T3 levels, but are following this dietary approach with a well-formulated meal plan, it is likely the result of normalization of your hormones as weight is let go and optimal body alignment is achieved. Lower levels could also be evidence of a more efficient system and less demand for thyroid function. As a bonus, human studies about longevity demonstrate an association of a longer life with lower levels of T3. Reduced T3 without symptoms is likely a sign of a well-functioning system that has reached optimal alignment and efficiency.

If youre looking to support your thyroid while dropping weight or maintaining weight loss, here are some tips:

Dont simply restrict calories and exercises more to lose weight. How you drop weight is key to maintaining a healthy thyroid.According to Doug Lucas, optimizing your sleep, stress and toxic exposures has significant impact on thyroid health as well.Avoid foods known as goitrogens. These are toxic for your thyroid. These include gluten, grains, dairy, nightshades (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes), sugar, caffeine, alcohol and for those with possible or confirmed autoimmune cause of thyroid dysfunction, eggs. Cruciferous vegetables can and should be consumed if possible, but if you are worried about your thyroid consider cooking or fermenting these nutrition-packed plant foods. If you choose to consume dairy, try goat products or A2 cow products. There is a tremendous amount of noise and misinformation about the thyroid. An accurate diagnosis and good understanding of what is happening can help you feel empowered and confident. Remember that thyroid hormone levels are not as important as how you feel. If you are concerned, start with the basics: sleep, stress and nutrition. If you have symptoms, consider working with your health care team to determine if treatment is right for you. If youre in the process of dropping weight or are following a lower carbohydrate lifestyle, fluctuations may well be temporary and a new set point may be established while your body adjusts to its new optimal you.

Ashley Lucas has a doctorate in sports nutrition and chronic disease. She is also a registered dietitian nutritionist. She is the founder and owner of PHD Weight Loss and Nutrition, offering weight management and wellness services in the Four Corners. She can be reached at 764-4133. She is married to Dr. Doug Lucas, who is an orthopedic surgeon and precision medicine physician.

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Your thyroid and your weight loss - The Durango Herald

It has to be the words spoken by my CA teacher which keep me focussed and dedicated. He once told me that our body is not a dustbin in which you can dump any kind of intake. This lesson reminds me to always eat clean and follow a good eating pattern.

How do you ensure you dont lose focus?

Since I do yoga religiously, it helps me stay aligned with my goals in mind. Once you start eating well, you wont crave or feel tempted for junk food anymore. Fitness has to be made into a lifestyle habit if you want to see consistent, long-lasting results.

Whats the most difficult part of being overweight?

Irregular, bad eating habits, change in the way you look are some of the things which can make you feel low.

What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line?

I want to be fit and healthy just as I am today.

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Weight loss: I had warm water everyday and ghar ka khana to lose weight - Times of India

Recent research sheds new light on the importance of weight loss to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The study, published this week in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA), found that obesity is a contributing factor in a significant number of type 2 diabetes cases.

It is not surprising to anyone that obesity is an important risk factor for diabetes, Dr. Sadiya S. Khan, a senior author of the study and an assistant professor of medicine and preventive medicine at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine in Illinois, told Healthline.

What surprised us was the extent of the burden for diabetes related to obesity. Between one-third to one-half of new cases of diabetes were attributed to obesity, Khan noted.

Healthline interviewed experts who said that the study underlines the connection between obesity and type 2 diabetes and that it could serve as a wake-up call to those who are already at risk.

Its important to note that risk factors fall along racial and income-based lines. One reason for this may be inequities in healthcare.

The studys authors noted that participants with obesity were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black or Mexican American. Those with an annual family income of less than $50,000 were also more likely to have obesity.

We now know from this current research that there are disproportionate contributions from certain populations in terms of this obesity risk, Dr. Spencer Kroll, director of the Cholesterol Treatment Center in Marlboro, New Jersey, told Healthline.

The research also noted the impact on non-Hispanic white women.

Research identified a disproportionate effect of obesity in non-Hispanic Caucasian women, who appear to be of significantly greater risk of developing diabetes when obese, Kroll said. Further, this study is the first to include a population-based attribution Latinx populations for obesity and diabetes. This group demonstrates a higher burden of both of these conditions.

Kroll added that the study highlights the need for appropriate and targeted public health measures for different groups.

Given the differing numbers among these groups and the financial burden of diabetes in the United States, Kroll said its critical to determine precursors to diabetes and how they differ in these populations so specific guidelines can be introduced for obesity prevention.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that more than 34 million Americans about 1 in 10 have diabetes, and 90 to 95 percent of this population has type 2 diabetes.

And obesity is an epidemic in the United States. The most recent numbers from the CDC show that 42 percent of Americans have obesity. In 1999-2000, this number stood at 30 percent.

But experts say a little bit of effort can go along way in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The Diabetes Prevention Program found that a weight loss of 5 to 7 percent reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent in adults at high risk for the disease.

These numbers were noted in the recent JAHA study.

Dr. Kuldeep Singh, director of the Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy, told Healthline that its important to know if youre at risk.

If a person has a mother or father with type 2 diabetes, and they are over 40 years of age, they should watch their weight and blood sugar levels on a regular basis, Singh said.

Sometimes, media and literature confuse obesity and overweight. For practical purposes, overweight is similar to obesity in its bad effects on the body, just to a lesser extent, he explained.

Singh said people could take some control over the condition.

A modest drop 10 percent of total weight goes a long way in managing diabetes, he said. It not only improves blood sugar levels but decreases overall risk of early death and other serious complications. Exercise increases the utilization of blood sugar and sensitivity to insulin in liver and muscles, and independently helps in blood sugar control.

Dr.Stephanie Redmond, a diabetes educator and co-founder of Diabetes Doctor, told Healthline that changing your diet can help, but theres more to it.

Ive seen the most benefits from intermittent fasting, she said.

However, this doesnt mean you can eat whatever you want during the eating window, or it wont work. If you eat an enormous amount of carbs, it can overwhelm your pancreas, leading to huge surges in insulin. If fasting makes you binge and have crazy hunger fits, then its probably not for you, she added.

Redmond said that another critical component is exercise.

Diet is important but not everything. You get sick of hearing people telling you to exercise, but you need to, she urged. Figure out how to work it in. Watch a YouTube video of a step class and do it on your stairs, try kickboxing at home, or take a walk with your grandkids and do some extra skips. Try to get at least 20 to 30 minutes at a time.

Read more:
Weight Loss of 5 Percent Can Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes - Healthline

Weight loss: A healthy breakfast can support your weight loss process

You might have come across several tips that can help in weight loss. From weight loss-friendly drinks to magic concoctions, multiple ingredients have gained popularity. For effective weight loss, you need to burn more calories than you consume with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Similarly, making a few changes can help you reach your goal effectively. Factors like your sleep schedule, right breakfast choices, levels of physical activity, how you eat meals, time spent in eating and the timings of the meal also play a role. If you are also trying to lose weight, here are some effective weight loss tips you need to follow.

Celeb nutritionist Munmun Ganeriwal took to social media and shared some weight loss tips as part of her Instagram series QuickFivewithMG. Here are some do's and don't for weight loss she mentioned-

Many choose readymade cereal for breakfast due to lack of time. Unlike fresh homemade breakfast, convenient-ready-to-eat meals are often loaded with preservatives and artificial flavouring agents that are harmful to health. These are also often loaded with added sugar that can affect your weight loss process. Instead stick to traditional breakfast options like poha, upma, idli etc.

Weight loss: Prepare fresh breakfast at home for better nutritionPhoto Credit: iStock

The nutritionist explains, "Tea and coffee contain caffeine that triggers the release of cortisol (stress hormone) and puts the body in a stress mode. When you wake up, your body needs time to get back to functioning in full capacity. In such a situation, it is better to eat real food instead of something that can further stress it out."

If you love drinking teas, try herbal teas within 30 minutes of waking up. You can also choose shakes, smoothies or protein shakes for breakfast. Avoid drinking packed juices.

Also read:Weight Loss: Dietician Reveals 3 Truths That Will Help You In The Long Run

It is often advised to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. "Current research findings of ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) indicate that moving more during the day, in addition to getting 150 mins/week of exercise is necessary to reduce one's risk of diseases and to lose weight," Ganeriwal mentions in her post. Not moving enough also puts you at a high risk of weight gain and several health conditions.

You can start your day with exercising. Also, take small breaks and move around for 2-3 minutes. Stretching can also help you keep back, shoulder and neck pain at bay.

Also read:Here Are The Reasons Why You Should Eat White Rice Guilt-Free

Weight loss tips: Exercise regularly to burn more caloriesPhoto Credit: iStock

When you are paying attention to your meal while eating, it will give you the satiety signals at the right time and you will know exactly when to stop eating. People are usually busy using mobile phone while eating and end up consuming more calories than required.

Also read:Weight Loss: Is Eating Roti Better Than Eating Rice For Losing Weight?

When you are exposed to light-emitting gadgets, your body goes becomes alert and delays sleep. Using gadgets before bed can make you take longer to fall asleep. Lack of sleep also makes you consume more calories and increase stress. You will also wake up tired with low energy levels.

Follow these effective tips and hope you reach your weight loss goals soon!

(Munmun Ganeriwal is a Nutritionist, Fitness Expert and Yoga Teacher at Mumbai)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Weight Loss: Choose Traditional Breakfast Over Cereals When Trying To Shed Kilos - NDTV

The egg diet for weight loss: Know more about the benefits, risks and sustainability of the low-calorie diet  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: Weight loss requires you to follow a disciplined, and healthy diet to help your body shed the extra kilos it does not need. Given obesity or being overweight is linked with so many health disorders such as high risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and even COVID-19, it is imperative to make efforts to reach and maintain a healthy Body Mass Index which is the weight to height ratio.

However, as people have adopted to healthier lifestyles and measures to lose weight, a new industry of weight loss products, diets, and tips has come up. While some of these are healthy, others are subjective, and some are outrightly bizarre, unsustainable, and unhealthy fad diets. A diet that has recently become very popular for weight loss is the Egg Diet. Let us find out which of the above categories does the Egg diet fall into.

The egg diet is a low carb, low calorie but high-protein diet. According to SimrunChopra, Deep Health Coach and Founder, Nourish with Sim, The egg diet promises abnormally fast weight loss benefits. It claims to avoid losing muscle mass. This is just another fad diet.

The egg diet plan does not seem to be a sustainable weight loss plan. Accoridng to Ms Chopra, The whole plan is unsustainable. Imagine eating only eggs or loads of eggs with little or no variation in your diet, for the rest of your life. Dont forget all the down-sides of eating too many eggs. Flatulence, fatigue and a bad mood are likely to accompany such a diet if sustained for too long.

There is no doubt that if you can sustain the plan, you are likely to lose weight because the diet will help you create a calorie deficit. However, you may not be able to maintain the lost weight, only coming back to square one, very soon. While you will lose weight, your body will most likely rebound in very little time, post completion of the diet. I have come across various variants of the egg diet. Egg-only fasts, sometimes adding a fruit or vegetable or even cheese, Ms Chopra added.

While a diet that comprises only of eggs may not be the ideal way for weight loss, one cannot deny that eggs are a super-food, and very helpful in weight loss if consumed correctly. Ms Simrun also agrees and says, Having said all of the above, it is true that the egg is a super-food. Not only that, they are affordable and very versatile, being used in any number of ways. However, focusing on just one food item is never a good idea. I believe these kinds of mono-diets do more damage than good.

While eggs are a super source of healthy fats, have around 6 grams of protein, contains Vitamin A, B12 and D, is a source of choline (for the brain), selenium and riboflavin and has more than its fair share of antioxidants, you cannot live on eggs alone. Your body is a complex structure that has a variety of needs. Needs that can only be met with the proper consumption of nutritious foods.

So, while the egg is a very healthy food, the egg diet is not a healthy, balanced diet. Diets that are so restrictive, this low-calorie and focused on one food only are never successful over the long term. Another aspect to consider when looking at the egg diet is the inherent dietary cholesterol in an egg. Each egg is estimated to have 184 mg of cholesterol. Eggs have also been flagged for its saturated fat content. While these factors do not make it something to be avoided, it is best to consume eggs in moderation, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

It is recommended that you never consider diets that are restrictive. This makes the plan an inefficient and unsustainable one. Always choose a diet plan that includes and encourages consumption of healthy foods like lean proteins, eggs, fruits and vegetables and high fibre foods like whole grains and beans. Because eggs have absolutely zero fibre, this will cause problems like constipation. All of the above, when eaten in moderation, as per a sustainable diet plan will give you all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants needed by the body to function properly.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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The egg diet for weight loss: Know more about the benefits, risks and sustainability of the low-calorie diet - Times Now

Former unified heavyweight champion of the world, Andy Ruiz Jr., has been in the news for his incredible weight-loss. However, recent training footage has shed light on the reality of the former champion. So has Destroyer Ruiz Jr. really lost weight?

When Ruiz Jr. lost to Anthony Joshua in December 2019 in the rematch, he got heavy criticism for his overweight frame and his lack of discipline. Moreover, his former coaches also revealed the indiscipline that the heavyweight showed.

However, he seemed to have turned a corner when footage revealed his impressive weight loss. Andy Ruiz Jr. signed with Eddie Reynoso and embarked upon on an inspiring weight loss journey, or so it seemed. The initial footage even gave a glimpse of the heavyweights abs.

Recent footage has suggested otherwise. A video that went viral showed Ruiz Jr. training with Ryan Garcia, Canelo Alvarez, and the team. He was hitting the heavy-bag while the others were getting in their workout. However, Ruiz Jr. didnt seem to be as lean as before.

Ruiz Jr. certainly did not look overweight as he did in the Joshua rematch. Therefore, fans can safely say that he has lost some weight and got back in shape. But, it may not be as big a transformation as was initially assumed.

READ: Unorthodox But Effective- How WBC Champion Tyson Fury Trains

Ruiz J. did not fight in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent training has suggested that the former champion is ready to make his mark on the heavyweight division again. Although, he would need a worthy opponent for that.

Reports suggest that his next fight could be the same opponent he would have faced in 2020. Mike Coppinger from the Athletic reported that the Chris Arreola fight is still on. Moreover, he gave an insight into the timeline, suggesting that Destroyer could return in the spring.

Therefore, come the spring, we will find out whether the former champion has actually lost weight. However, one thing is for sure, Andy Ruiz Jr. will go into the fight in better shape than his outing at Clash On The Dunes.

What do you make of Andy Ruiz Jrs weight loss? Do you think the former champion has actually lost weight?

READ: Why Andy Ruiz Jr vs Anthony Joshua 3 Never Happened?

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Did Andy Ruiz Jr. Really Lose Weight? New Training Footage Shows the Reality - EssentiallySports

A diabetes medication designed to increase insulin production also may work as an appetite suppressant and be helpful with weight loss, a new study found.

Participants in an obesity study were injected with the drugSemaglutide once a week for 16 months.Semaglutide is made by Novo Nordisk and is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes.

Around 2,000 people in 16 countries participated in the study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University.Those who were given Semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight compared to those that took a placebo and lost an average of 2.4%.

The results of the study werepublished in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday.

"(It was) incredibly unprecedented and surprising to me how good the results were. It is really the first time weve seen a drug this effective for the treatment of obesity,"said Dr. Robert Kushner,a Northwestern medical professor andauthor of the study.

About three-quarters of participants who took Semaglutide experienced side effects of nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation. However, around half of participants taking only theplacebo, who also received dietary and exercise coaching, also reported the same side effects.

On average, people on Semaglutide lost 33 pounds, and one-third of the study's participants lost more than 20% of their body weight.There was also improvement in symptoms of diabetes and pre-diabetes reported among the study participants.

The results could mean good news for the U.S.. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, more than 42% of the county's population is overweight.

Novo Nordisk now seeks approval from the Food and Drug Administration to market the drug for weight loss. If approved, Semaglutide will be only the fifthprescription weight-loss medication available in the U.S.

Research believe people being treated for obesity would not need to take Semaglutide as often as other weight loss drugs in order for it to be effective.

"Currently, approved antiobesity drugs require administration once, twice or three times daily, and a once-weekly regimen may improve treatment adherence," they said.

Researchers at Tufts University are calling the Semaglutide study flawed.Dr. Julie Ingelfinger and Dr. Clifford Rosen, who were not involved in the study, told CNN thattrial participants didn't look at long-term results or reflect typical U.S. demographics.

"First, the demographics in this trial are not reflective of the general U.S. population. Most of the participants were white, with only 6% Black or African American and 12% Latinx, whereas nearly 40% of the US population is non-white,"Ingelfinger and Rosen said, but still calling the Semaglutide findings "encouraging."

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Diabetes drug helped obese patients lose 15% of their body weight, study shows - PhillyVoice.com

In what the authors are hailing as a game-changer in the realm of weight loss therapy, a major global study has demonstrated how an obesity drug can cut significant body weight from many of those who take it. Originally developed to treat diabetes, the drug in question works by taking control of the bodys appetite regulation system, with one third of the study recipients cutting more than one fifth of their body weight through weekly injections combined with conventional weight-loss programs.

Called semaglutide, the drug is a clinically approved treatment for type 2 diabetes and mimics the chemical structure of a naturally-occurring hormone called GLP-1, which reduces feelings of hunger by acting on the appetite control center in the hypothalamus region of the brain.

A 2017 study investigating the potential of using semaglutide as a weight-loss medication brought some promising results, with 28 clinically obese subjects exhibiting a decreased appetite and an average weight loss of 5 kg (11 lb) over 12 weeks.

These investigations have now progressed to a Phase III trial, which involved almost 2,000 overweight or obese adults from 129 locations in 16 different countries. Over a 68-week period, the subjects were injected weekly with semaglutide or a placebo and were placed on weight-loss programs involving diets with reduced calories, increased physical activity and counseling sessions with dietitians.

Among those given a placebo, the average weight loss across the study was 2.6kg (5.7 lb), to go with a reduction in body mass index (BMI) reduction of 0.92. In the group given semaglutide, the average weight loss was 15.3 kg (33.7 lb), and the average BMI reduction was 5.54. This group also exhibited reduced risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, including things like blood sugar, blood pressure and waist circumference.

Some subjects experienced side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, though the researchers describe these as transient and say they were generally resolved without removing those subjects from the study.

The findings of this study represent a major breakthrough for improving the health of people with obesity, says Rachel Batterham from the University College London, prinicipal author of the paper. Three quarters of people who received semaglutide lost more than 10 percent of their body weight and more than one-third lost more than 20 percent. No other drug has come close to producing this level of weight loss this really is a game changer. For the first time, people can achieve through drugs what was only possible through weight-loss surgery.

The results of this trial have seen semaglutide submitted to health authorities in Europe, the US and the UK for approval as a treatment for obesity.

This is a significant advance in the treatment of obesity, says the trials UK Chief Investigator, Professor John Wilding from the the University of Liverpool.Semaglutide is already approved and used clinically at a lower dose for treatment of diabetes, so as doctors we are already familiar with its use. For me this is particularly exciting as I was involved in very early studies of GLP1 (when I worked at the Hammersmith Hospital in the 1990s we were the first to show in laboratory studies that GLP1 affected appetite), so it is good to see this translated into an effective treatment for people with obesity.

The research was published in the New England Journal for Medicine.

Source: University College London

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"Game-changer" obesity drug cuts 20% of weight in a third of subjects - New Atlas