Graves' Disease Support Group

Hi PaulaDebra!

I completely know how you feel - I myself have gained 40-50 lbs as a result of Graves. The best way you can stop the weight gain is to take your meds faithfully. I know that sounds like a double-edged sword, but the sooner your thyroid can become regulated, the better off your metabolism will be.

Do you think you're gaining weight because you're eating too much? Personally, my appetite was crazy when I was initially diagnosed, which was partially why I gained so much weight. I also had a difficult time exercising because I would fatigue really easily.

My recommendations for you would be: take the meds, practice stress relieving techniques (i.e. yoga or just light walking), try to fit some moderate exercise in your schedule when you can, and try your best to watch your diet. Pears are great to eat and I have noticed that they help calm my thyroid down - not to mention, they're low in calories and healthy! Make sure you are incorporating at least 4-5 servings of fruits and veggies every day. Also, try getting some healthy cookbooks or even try Lean Cuisine meals if you are not a big fan of cooking.

The best advice I can give you is just start out slow and don't worry or stress out too much about the weight gain .... just remember you are beautiful as you are and at least you are trying to do the best that you can, considering the circumstances! :) That is something to be proud of and something to take hope in.

Please let me know if you have any other questions or if there is anything else I can do to help you!

Hi Paula! usually if you keep gaining weight your levels could be too low, maybe med dose is too high for you.

Thank you all for your kind works..I sure do need them. I don't think i'm eating more, but my taste for foods has changed greatly, I was always a fish and chicken veggie and fruits eater, Now all I want to eat is things that are sweet., and the weird thing is I never have liked sweets in my life., Now when I try to eat the foods I use to eat every things taste bland, I still eat a lot of fruit, grapes and watermelon. I think i'm gaining weight because of the food I crave now...Its really frustrating,,,even if I do manage to eat a regular meal ,,,10 to 15 minuts later I have to eat something sweet of I am no satisfied, When I say sweets I don't mean candy and cake,,,all i want to eat is rice krispies with milk and sugar or french toast with maple syrup???????It is so weird.