Every person’s body uses food to create energy, but the process isn’t as simple as just eating something and then having a burst of energy. Food has to be broken down and processed into energy through metabolism — a chemical reaction in which the energy in food becomes energy used by the body’s cells — and all of that is controlled by the thyroid.
The thyroid is a small gland, located at the front of the neck, that is part of the body’s endocrine system, and therefore plays a significant role in the body’s ability to secrete certain hormones, as well as control the speed of metabolism.
“The thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s energy use, influencing your metabolism, blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate and more,” explains Dr. Omayra Quijano-Vega, an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid disease.
While the thyroid plays an important role in providing the body with energy, it can also be impacted by diseases and conditions that limit its functions, including hypothyroidism, which can result in weight gain, and the similarly-named hyperthyroidism, which can result in weight loss. More than 20 million people in the United States have developed a thyroid condition, according to the Cleveland Clinic, making them relatively common.
“The thyroid can be affected by several disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer, Quijano-Vega says. “Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like tiredness and weight gain. On the contrary, hyperthyroidism is an overproduction of thyroid hormones, causing symptoms such as weight loss and nervousness. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune response that affects the thyroid gland and can lead to hypothyroidism. It is considered the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.”
These conditions can sometimes develop due to other conditions or disorders within the body, including in postpartum women and people with diabetes.
“Other conditions such as other autoimmune diseases, PCOS, diabetes, and being postpartum have also been shown to have a high correlation with developing thyroid disorders,” Quijano-Vega says. “Although prevention isn’t always possible, especially with genetic predispositions, early detection and treatment can help manage or mitigate symptoms.”
Although genetics do play a part in many thyroid conditions, there are lifestyle choices that can contribute to the development of thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, according to Quijano-Vega.
“There is a significant correlation between lifestyle and the impact it can have on your thyroid health,” Quijano-Vega said. “Factors such as poor sleep patterns, unhealthy eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, drastic changes in diet and poor stress management can all lead to thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves disease, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.”
She recommends making lifestyle changes in order to lower the risk of developing thyroid conditions. A healthy diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods, regular exercise, proper stress management and good sleep habits all can help.
