Sudden Weight Fluctuations in Thyroid: Rapid weight loss or gain, both are not good and both give many signals related to our health, which we should try to understand instead of ignoring them. Hormonal changes in the body have a direct impact on weight. The thyroid gland may be responsible for sudden weight gain or loss. Being over or under-active has a direct impact on our weight. Let us know from experts how this gland affects weight. Dr. Akash Shah is giving this information. Dr. Shah is a consultant pathologist at Newberg Supratech Reference Lab.
Effect of thyroid on weight
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in our neck. It is responsible for the production of hormones that control metabolism. These hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are essential for the body. These hormones decide how your body will use the energy you get from whatever you eat. When your thyroid works properly, metabolism runs smoothly and your weight remains stable.
Types of Thyroid
When your thyroid gland works too fast, it is called an overactive thyroid i.e. hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than required. Excessive activity of the thyroid gland increases the metabolic rate, due to which your weight starts reducing rapidly. Whether you eat normally or even more than usual, your weight decreases instead of increasing. Apart from this, symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weakness and anxiety are seen in this condition.
On the other hand, in hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland works less than normal and the production of thyroid hormones is reduced. Due to this metabolism slows down and weight gain may occur. Its other symptoms include extreme cold, weakness and dry skin. Let us tell you that weight gain in the thyroid occurs due to slow metabolism.
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