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 visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com 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.