As
main regulators of the body's rate of metabolism, thyroid hormones
have a profound impact on weight. By increasingly enzyme levels
in the cell mitochondria, which produce energy, thyroid hormones
control how the body burns up carbohydrates and fats.
If
the body and its metabolism are likened to an engine, thyroid hormone
levels may be seen as setting the "speed" at which the
engine "idles." These hormones accelerate the basal metabolic
rate of most cells in the body. This is important, because a low
resting metabolic rate has been cited as a strong risk factor for
weight gain and obesity.1
Hypothyroidism
occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough "energy-generating"
thyroid hormones. Weight gain is a classic symptom of this dysfunction.
In such cases, levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) may rise
in an attempt to spur more production and secretion of thyroid hormones
from the thyroid gland.
In
addition, overweight women with a family history of obesity may
have lower levels of the thyroid hormone free triiodothyronine (T3)
in their blood.1 Treatments
to raise T3 levels may help reduce
some metabolic risk factors associated
with abdominal obesity in some overweight
women.2 In
a subset of these individuals, then,
it may be a low T3/T4 ratio or a low
T3/reverse T3 ratio, rather than a
blanket deficiency of all thyroid hormones
that sets the stage for weight gain.
Besides
disrupting metabolism, thyroid imbalances may affect appetite control.
Studies suggest that thyroid hormones may modulate levels of leptin,
a hormone produced from fat cells that is believed to control hunger
and stabilize energy levels, and which may play an important role
in eating disorders and chronic obesity.3-5
The Comprehensive
Thyroid Assessment can reveal both overt and subtle thyroid
dysfunctions that can disrupt healthy metabolism and promote weight
gain.
References
1 Astrup A, Buemann B, Toubro S, Ranneries C, Raben A. Low resting
metabolic rate in subjects predisposed to obesity: a role for thyroid
status. Am J Clin Nutr 1996;63(6):879-873.
2 Krotkiewski
M, Holm G, Shono N. Small dosage of triiodothyronine can change
some risk factors associated with abdominal obesity. Int J Obes
Relat Metab Disord 1997;21(10):922-9.
3 Sera
N, Yokoyama N, Abe Y, Ide A, Imaizumi M, Usa T, Tominaga T, Ejima
E, Ashizasa K, Ohmoto Y, Eguchi K. Thyroid hormones influence serum
leptin levels in patients with GraveÕs Disease during suppression
of beta-adrenergic receptors. Thyroid 2000;10(8):641-6.
4 Pinkney
JH, Goodrick SJ, Katz J, Johnson AB, Lightman SL, Coppack SW, Mohamed-Ali
V. Leptin and pituitary-thyroid axis: a comparative study in lean,
obese, hypothyroid and hyperthyroid subjects. Clin Endocrinol 1998;49(5):583-8.
5 Pinkney
JH, Goodrick SJ, Katz J, Johnson AB, Lightman SL, Coppack SW, Medbak
S, Mohamed-Ali V. Thyroid and sympathetic influences on plasma leptin
in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord
2000;24 Suppl 2:S165-6.
Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed
and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification
and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing
this disorder.
For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083
and go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for
information.
Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice
for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is
so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach.
Remember that the body can heal itself if given the
proper nutrients.
The information herein is not intended as diagnosis,
treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition
please seek the advice of your medical doctor. |
