Hypothyroidism associated with weight gain

Dear Ask The Doctor: How does hypothyroidism affect weight loss?

Dear Jessica: The thyroid gland produces the hormone thyroxine, which is responsible for metabolism, growth and development of body cells. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is underactive and produces insufficient thyroxine to meet the body’s requirements. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include: fatigue, loss of energy, lethargy, weight gain, decreased appetite, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, muscle pain, joint pain, and weakness in the extremities, depression, constipation, menstrual disturbances and impaired fertility. Therefore an underactive thyroid gland is usually associated with weight gain not weight loss.