[Steph82]

#1059770

I was diagnosed with Graves about 2 weeks ago, although looking back I have had symptoms for at least 2 years. In the last 6 months or so I have put on about 10 pounds. I’m hungry all the time and cannot stop eating! I thought you were supposed to lose weight with a hyperthyroid!? I can’t exercise right now because I get extremely dizzy and nauseous (these were the symptoms that brought me to the doc in the first place). I’ve always been active and have eaten whatever I wanted and maintained a healthy weight so suddenly having all my clothes tight is very distressing! Will this all go away when the meds kick in or I doomed to gain even more as I become more hypo? Has anyone else gained rather than lost with this disease?

[Kimberly]

#1177403

Hello – Weight issues are challenging for many patients, and it’s not well understood why this happens…or why some patients gain while others lose. Here are a few suggestions from a presenter at one of our past patient conferences:

1. Include breakfast daily within 2 hours of waking up.
2. Don’t go longer than 5 hours in between meals
3. Select “high volume” and “high fiber” foods such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains
4. Limit servings of healthy fats to 1 per day
5. Prioritize at LEAST 7 hours of sleep a night

Once a doctor’s clearance is obtained to engage in activity, she also recommended 150 minutes per week of physical activity, plus strength training 2 times per week. (You will definitely want to wait until your levels are stabilized and your doctor gives you the go-ahead before resuming your activity routine, in order to avoid putting extra stress on your heart).

I have struggled with weight issues myself post-diagnosis, so I totally understand your frustration. But for now, your priority is to select a treatment option and get your levels stable again. This is the first step towards getting your life — and your health — back!

Take care — and please check back to let us know how you are doing!

[Steph82]

#1177404

Thanks, I have always been a bit hypoglycemic where I get nauseous and shaky if I don’t eat every few hours. I try my best to keep it healthy but I feel like my cravings for junk are insane recently, I have no will power!

I’m glad I found this site, I feel very alone with this diagnosis!

[Stymie]

#1177405

Hi steph!

I also gained weight being hyper! About 10 lbs. I ate constantly because I was constantly hungry!

Once I became hypo I did gain more weight. About another 10 lbs. I’m hoping once the thyroid levels get back in the normal range the weight will come off pretty easily. (Praying).

Good luck to you!

Diane

[mwhitney]

#1177406

I was losing weight prior to my graves coming on, and then as soon as I started having symptoms, I gained 10 pounds in about 3 weeks.
Granted I was underweight before the symptoms had hit as was told I needed to gain, but before symptoms hit took me 2 weeks to gain 3 pounds. Those pounds hit fast.
Since I’ve gone on anti thyroid meds, My weight has stayed the same.

[Author]

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