Is Your Resolution to Lose Weight? Read This First

Weight loss is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. While diet and exercise are foundational, several medical factors can influence your ability to lose weight—sometimes making progress slower or more difficult despite best efforts.

One often overlooked factor is thyroid health. Thyroid hormone imbalances can contribute to weight gain and make weight loss challenging, even with healthy lifestyle changes. Holiday eating patterns, reduced activity, and disrupted routines can also contribute to weight gain, increasing motivation to focus on health in the new year.

Understanding both metabolic and hormonal contributors is essential for safe and effective weight management.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and temperature.

The thyroid produces hormones including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Abnormal levels of these hormones can significantly affect weight, energy, and overall health.

According to the American Thyroid Association, approximately 20 million Americans have a thyroid disorder, and more than 12% of people will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime—many without knowing it.

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormone. Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Cold intolerance

• Constipation

• Unexplained weight gain

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Occurs when excess thyroid hormone is produced. Symptoms may include:

• Heart palpitations

• Anxiety or irritability

• Heat intolerance

• Weight loss despite increased appetite

Graves’ disease is a common autoimmune cause of hyperthyroidism.

Other thyroid conditions include:

• Thyroid nodules (solid or fluid-filled lumps)

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune hypothyroidism)

• Thyroid cancer, which is more common in women and often diagnosed earlier in life

Many people with thyroid disease are unaware they have it until testing is done.

Sustainable weight management focuses on overall health—not rapid weight loss.

Evidence-based recommendations include:

• Balanced nutrition emphasizing lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats, and whole foods

• Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week

• Adequate hydration and electrolyte balance

• Gradual, progressive exercise plans tailored to your fitness level

Starting slowly and building consistency is key. Listening to your body and allowing rest helps prevent injury and burnout.

Importantly, weight loss should be viewed as a metabolic and behavioral process, not simply a number on a scale.

When Diet and Exercise Aren’t Enough

If you are maintaining healthy habits but still struggle to lose weight, additional medical support may help. A licensed provider can evaluate contributing factors such as:

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Insulin resistance

• Medication side effects

• Hormonal or metabolic conditions

Prescription weight-loss medications may be appropriate for some individuals when combined with lifestyle changes. Blood testing may also be recommended to evaluate thyroid and metabolic function.

Common thyroid tests include:

• TSH – screens for overall thyroid function

• Free T4 – helps identify hypo- or hyperthyroidism

• Total T3 and Free T3 – assess thyroid hormone activity at the cellular level

These tests help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.

El tratamiento depende del diagnóstico y puede incluir:

• Medicación hormonal

• Medicamentos antitiroideos

• Seguimiento a largo plazo

• En algunos casos, cirugía o yodo radiactivo

Whether your New Year’s goal is weight loss, better metabolic health, or thyroid evaluation, Call-On-Doc connects you with board-certified providers online.

During a consultation, providers review:

• Medical history

• Diet and activity patterns

• Weight-loss challenges

• Possible hormonal or metabolic contributors

If appropriate, prescription weight-loss medications such as Contrave or Plenity may be recommended. Thyroid testing and treatment options are also available.

Call-On-Doc offers:

• 24/7 access to licensed providers

• No appointments or insurance required

• Prescriptions sent to local pharmacies in 1–2 hours

• Subscription options with home delivery for select treatments