???

Question
I was wondering at what point should I see a doctor about a possible medical condition when I've been doing everything that should (and used to) lead to weight loss and it's not working?  I changed my diet significantly several months ago--added a lot more vegetables and fruit and cut back on carbs, sugar and fat.  I was eating less than 1500 cals/day.  It wasn't working (after two months) so I started exercising about three weeks ago.  I started running/walking about 3-5 miles/day...with an occasional day off (maybe 2 days/week of not exercising).  Still, I haven't lost any weight...I am 25.  I have lost weight in the past my changing my eating/exercising more.  I currently weigh 135 and am 5'3.  I was hoping to lose around 10-15 lbs.  Could it be a thyroid problem?  When I started exercising, I increased my food intake slightly...because I thought maybe I was eating too few cals/day and my body was hoarding the food/preventing weight loss because it went into starvation mode.  But, I can't understand why the increase in exercise/activity hasn't had an effect on my weight at this point.

Answer
Katie,
First in good conscience I have to point out that you are already at a healthy weight for your height, and though losing 15 pounds won't put you in the underweight category- for health reasons it isn't necessary.


Usually with exercise you give yourself 6 weeks to see a change. You might want to add some weight training to the mix. As we get older we lose muscle ass, and that is what slows down our metabolism. Try pumping up to slim down.

IF you are truly concerned about hypothyroidism the symptoms are
# Fatigue
# Weakness
# Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
# Coarse, dry hair
# Dry, rough pale skin
# Hair loss
# Cold intolerance (can't tolerate the cold like those around you)
# Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
# Constipation
# Depression
# Irritability
# Memory loss
# Abnormal menstrual cycles

If you exhibit any of these symptoms, you should go see your doctor.

Hope this helps,
Lela Simon
http://www.lelasimonwellness.com

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