
Blood Work Showed Severe Hypothyroid 55.7. Can I Lose Weight?

Thanks for writing in.
You have primary hypothyroidism and you need to be on lifelong supplementation of thyroid hormone. Weight gain is a complex process. It is usually due to life style factors excess calorie intake, less exercise and a genetic predisposition.
Hypothyroidism can lead to substantial weight gain if it leads to reduced exercise and or increased food intake.
But if a person is able maintain the previous level of physical activity and food intake there is usually a marginal weight gain of 3-4 pounds on account of water retention.
You are overweight by around 20 -30 pounds based on your height.
It's usually very hard to lose ALL the extra weight, you can aim for a 8 to 10 percent weight loss but thyroid hormone supplementation alone may not suffice and you need to start on a diet and exercise program.
Usually if you are trying hard your peak weight loss will happen by the sixth month .
I suggest you wait until then and make sure your TSH is in the normal range before you go for the cosmetic surgical procedure.
Regards
Dr. Anantharaman

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