From the Research
Graves' disease can lead to weight loss due to increased metabolism from excess thyroid hormones, but weight gain may occur during treatment, and this is actually a sign that treatment is working, as stated in the most recent study 1. To manage this weight gain, focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while limiting processed foods and sugars.
- Regular exercise, aiming for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, can help maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay hydrated and monitor your caloric intake.
- If weight gain is significant or concerning, discuss with your healthcare provider as medication adjustments may be needed, considering the use of antithyroid medications like methimazole (10-30mg daily) or propylthiouracil (100-300mg daily) as first-line treatments 1, 2. Remember that some weight gain is expected and normal during successful treatment of Graves' disease as your body returns to a normal metabolic state. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's preferences and situation, including a woman's desire to conceive, size of the goitre, the degree of hyperthyroidism, and the presence of ophthalmopathy, as discussed in 2. It is also important to note that methimazole is preferred over propylthiouracil due to its better side-effect profile, as mentioned in 3 and 4. Overall, the goal is to achieve a balance between managing hyperthyroidism and maintaining a healthy weight, prioritizing the patient's quality of life and minimizing potential complications, as emphasized in the most recent and highest quality study 1.