Patient-Friendly Explanation

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, slowing down your metabolism. This can lead to unexplained weight gain, fatigue, feeling cold all the time, and difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise efforts.

Clinical Definition

Hypothyroidism is a condition of reduced thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) production, most commonly caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune). It results in decreased basal metabolic rate, altered lipid metabolism, and reduced thermogenesis — all contributing to weight gain. Diagnosis is confirmed by elevated TSH with low or normal free T4.

Why It Matters

Untreated hypothyroidism can make weight loss extremely difficult despite best efforts. At NuLifeCare, we screen for thyroid dysfunction during weight management assessments and coordinate with your primary doctor to ensure your thyroid levels are optimised before starting a weight loss programme.