Will I gain weight after thyroid removal?
Mia Horton
Updated on January 05, 2026
Patients with hyperthyroidism commonly experience weight gain after thyroidectomy. This occurs due to the reduction in circulating thyroid hormone, thus ameliorating the weight-lowering effects of elevated thyroid hormones (4,5).
Does having no thyroid make you gain weight?
Abstract. Background: Patients who undergo thyroidectomy often complain of weight gain, which they frequently attribute to inadequate thyroid hormone replacement.How much weight will I gain after thyroidectomy?
These results were quite similar to a group of patients with thyroid cancer examined by Tigas et al., who noted a 0.6-kg weight gain 1 year after thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine, and thyroid hormone suppressive therapy (3).How can I boost my metabolism after thyroidectomy?
Cardio exercises, including walking, jogging, biking, swimming, and aerobics, also help boost metabolism. Higher-intensity cardio exercise is more effective at improving metabolism than lower-intensity exercise, so try a more intense class at your gym or incorporate interval training into your exercise routine.Can I lose weight with no thyroid?
Losing weight can be a challenging process for many people who are living with an underactive thyroid. Whether you have hypothyroidism or no thyroid after thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid) or radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, thyroid function affects metabolism and can make weight loss an uphill battle.Weight Gain After Thyroid Surgery- Tips to Maintain a Healthy Weight
Can thyroid cause belly fat?
Weight gainEven mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.
What happens to your body after your thyroid is removed?
If your entire thyroid is removed, your body can't make thyroid hormone. Without replacement, you'll develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Therefore, you'll need to take a pill every day that contains the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others).When will I start to lose weight on thyroid medication?
The first barrier is getting the right dose of thyroid medication. Once you have reached your ideal dose, you may notice some weight loss after around three to six months of continuous use.What is life like after thyroid removal?
What is recovery like after thyroid surgery? After your thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy, you may have a temporary sore throat, neck pain, difficulty swallowing or a weak voice. Your diet will be restricted for the evening of your surgery, but in most cases, it can return to normal the next day.Does thyroid removal shorten life expectancy?
We have also shown that treatment per se (thyroidectomy, high-dose radioactive iodine and thyroid hormone medication) is safe and does not shorten life expectancy.What is the best diet after thyroid removal?
Your Diet During RecoveryYou can eat whatever you like after surgery. Try to eat healthy foods. You may find it hard to swallow at first. If so, it may be easier to drink liquids and eat soft foods such as pudding, gelatin, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, or yogurt.