Symptom 2. Weight Gain: The Unwanted Extra Pounds
The second most prevalent symptom of Hashimoto’s disease is unexplained weight gain. This weight gain occurs due to the slowed metabolism resulting from decreased thyroid function. As the thyroid gland regulates how the body uses energy from food, its lowered activity means the body starts to store more calories as fat, leading to weight gain.
However, this weight gain isn’t typically massive. It’s gradual, and often not immediately noticeable. Women affected by Hashimoto’s disease may find their clothes getting tighter over time without any significant changes in their diet or activity level.
It’s crucial to understand that this weight gain isn’t due to overeating or lack of exercise, but rather an internal shift in metabolic regulation. This can make it challenging to manage weight despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It can be incredibly frustrating for those affected, adding an emotional toll to the physical symptoms of the disease. (2)
