Hypothyroid, Hashimoto’s, and Struggling with any protocol, looking for advice.

Hello, firstly let me begin with, “I am not seeking medical advice, my conditions are managed by medication and frequent blood panels to monitor function”. However, my chronic conditions do affect both my ability to lose weight and how I feel while fasting. I went to a weight loss specialist who told me to essentially try intermittent fasting or just come to terms with being overweight because I’m not technically at medical risk (I hold my weight “well” and don’t have any diabetes/blood pressure issues that would prompt other medical interventions). I am 5’2 and 175 lbs and I hate existing in this body. I have so much trouble losing weight though and despite trying usual protocols of counting calories and not eating processed foods etc (I have been vegan for many years and eat healthily), I have to drop my calories scarily low before weight actually comes off. I also exercise with weights and very light cardio (walking). I have briefly tried intermittent fasting but find it very difficult to actually stick to a fasting protocol because I either start feeling sick (headaches, extreme hunger, lethargy worsens) or simply forget and eat beyond the window I’m supposed to. I believe I am also somewhat food addicted and have a lot of trouble separating necessity from boredom; would prolonged fasting help with this aspect of my relationship with food? I guess I am seeking advice regarding others’ experience with these conditions and fasting or any tips to help a beginner stick to a new fasting routine. TLDR Has anyone with these conditions had any success losing weight with IF? How do you avoid negative symptoms when starting IF? Does prolonged fasting help Hashimoto’s/hypothyroid?

Answer

I have Hashimoto’s and Addison’s disease and haven’t had any issue, so I’m not sure how to help. Undiagnosed hypothyroidism is what causes the average 5 - 10 lbs of weight gain and most of that is due to water retention that untreated hypothyroidism causes. I have to supplement my thyroid hormones and my cortisol and aldosterone and haven’t had any challenges regarding the Hashimoto’s. There are no specific dietary plans for Hashimoto’s. What is known to help overall, is to lose weight. Fasting isn’t magic exactly- it just helps sticking to a calorie deficit easier. Do you know how many calories you need to eat to maintain and lose weight? Eating a calorie deficit is not scary and I doubt you’re going to get “scarily low”. At 5’2 and I’m assuming mostly sedentary, you’re going to have a (what will seem) low calorie amount regardless. You have excess body fat for your body to use as fuel though. You will be okay eating at a calorie deficit. I recommend investing in a food scale to accurately track your calories. Low carb/keto is also very helpful for health issues. I’ve found less instances of low blood sugar and other issues with low carb and my various hormonal/autoimmune diseases.

Answer

I have the same health issues as you, plus PCOS.

I’d suggest you stick with intermittent fasting, at least for a while. You can start with 12/12 for a few days and work your way up to OMAD. Then decide what works best with your schedule.

Keep track of calories - especially because you say you might have food addiction and eating out of boredom. You must be in a calorie deficit.

Use an app to track your fasts.

As for coping with hunger and feeling “sick”, your meals (at least the last one) should be low carb. Other than that, just power through and remind yourself why you’re doing it.