Sameer Khan Sameer Khan Asked 5 months ago

Can underactive thyroid cause weight loss?

My friend has an underactive thyroid and is very thin, actually underweight. I thought it usually causes weight gain, but he told me he struggles to put on weight. Can an underactive thyroid cause weight loss in some people?

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6 answers

Shalini Joshi Shalini Joshi Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago
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Usually, an underactive thyroid causes weight gain because the metabolism slows down. If you are losing weight instead, your dosage of thyroid medicine might be too high, pushing you into hyperthyroidism. You should definitely get a fresh TSH blood test done and consult your doctor.

Rohan Malhotra Rohan Malhotra Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I track my weight and health metrics daily, and typically, hypothyroidism is linked with weight gain, not loss. If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, it's a good idea to log your food intake and share it with your doctor. They might need to adjust your thyroid tablet dose.

Shalini Mishra Shalini Mishra Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

I totally get how confusing it is when your symptoms don't match the typical textbook descriptions. While an underactive thyroid usually causes weight gain, everyone's body reacts differently, or your medication might be slightly off. Please talk to your doctor so they can help you figure it out.

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Deepika Roy Deepika Roy Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

It is rare for underactive thyroid to cause weight loss, so please check if your medication dose is too high. Take care.

Nisha Mathews Nisha Mathews Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

Actually, weight loss is a symptom of an overactive thyroid, while an underactive one slows everything down. If you are already on levothyroxine, losing weight might mean your body is getting too much hormone. It's a simple fix, just get your doctor to review your dosage.

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Meera Krishnan Meera Krishnan Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

My mother always tells me that any sudden change in weight should be checked immediately. Since underactive thyroid usually leads to gain, losing weight could mean your body's hormone levels have shifted. Please consult your physician to get your blood checked properly.

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