Thyroid

It might seem counterintuitive, but weight loss can sometimes occur with hypothyroidism. Let's explore the reasons behind this paradox and what it means for your health.

Unintentional weight loss in women warrants medical investigation (thyroid, coeliac disease, malignancy, eating disorders). Intentional weight loss is driven by calorie deficit. Female-specific factors affecting weight include menstrual cycle hormonal fluctuations (scale variation of 1–3 kg), perimenopause fat redistribution, PCOS insulin resistance, and hypothyroidism. This article covers both contexts.

Almost anyone can lose weight with a sustained calorie deficit — including people with slower metabolisms, genetic predispositions to weight gain, and most medical conditions. The evidence identifies the primary obstacles: metabolic adaptation (Leibel 1995: −250 kcal/day after 10% loss), appetite hormone changes, and tracking errors. This article covers who loses weight and what makes it harder.

Many widely believed metabolism claims are either false or exaggerated. This article tests common assertions against the evidence: meal frequency, 'starvation mode', specific foods, and supplements. It also clarifies what genuinely alters metabolic rate and by how much.

Metabolic rate depends not only on macronutrient composition but on adequate micronutrients for thyroid hormone synthesis, mitochondrial function, and cellular energy production. This article identifies which micronutrient gaps slow metabolism and which foods address them.