Hello Everyone-

I have been struggling with my weight since puberty hit because I was born without a developed thyroid. Living with hypothyroidism since birth is an incredibly uncommon thing - usually women develop thyroid problems later in life. Not having a thyroid at all is like not having an engine in a car, and thanks to a daily dose of Synthroid since birth, I'm able to live. But I'm just getting by.

I have no metabolism to speak of and while my eating habits are pretty healthy, I'm considered obese and I'm just SO unhappy. I've worked out before and seen slow results and they improved a bit after lots of calorie cutting and diligent tracking, but it's hard to stay motivated when it takes me about three times the effort of a woman with a thyroid to lose weight.

The odds aren't in my favor and I struggle with that sad fact. I'm heading back to the gym today after an almost eleven month hiatus. I'm so self conscious and anxious about going to a new gym in a new city- I just moved to Boston in September for a new job- and I'm trying this forum to see if I can find some motivation and some help.

Are there any other ladies with thyroid issues? Any tips for workouts that burn more calories or are more intense or something? Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thank you!

Welcome to 3FC!

There's a Dieting with Obstacles section where you might be able to find others with thyroid problems, and who might have tips.

Regardless of your situation, I know you'll find support here. We all might come from different walks of life, but we want to see everyone succeed and be healthier. Healthier is the goal. Not perfect. Just -healthier-.

You'll see people with all different weight loss goals. Some who've started higher, others lower. For a lot of people it takes years of work to lose and maintain weight. So even if we don't have a similar thyroid condition, we can understand at least part of what it means to have years of work ahead of us.

I live about an hour outside of Boston, but when I first moved here it was difficult, too. Reaching out in any way possible is the best thing.

I know that motivation can be hard, but that's why commitment is so vital on this journey. It will take a while. We can accept that. We can keep going regardless. Every step we make, every minute moving more... it counts. It makes us healthier.

You can do this =) We'd love to help support and encourage you!

I hope to see you around the boards!

Thank you so much, Lovely! I really appreciate it! I know it takes a long time to lose weight- I'm probably at the healthiest I've ever been right now, but I've still got a long way to go and I hope being a member of this site will give me the push I need.

I went to the gym for the first time yesterday and it felt good to get back into it. It sucks, though. I'm just not one of those people who love working out- I absolutely HATE being sweaty! Yuck!

Thank you again!

Welcome, Magdalena! Congratulations on going to the gym. It's hard to start new at a place like that.