November 20th, 2010 
admin The hormone in the human body that is primary in the governance of metabolic rate is the thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland has the primary responsibility for determining the metabolic rate of your entire body. his is of extreme import to those of us that are trying to lose weight.
It is of the utmost importance that you have your thyroid functions thoroughly tested prior to embarking on a weight loss program. If your thyroid gland is not functioning properly and you have a deficiency of thyroid hormone, you will find it extremely difficult to lose weight because your basal metabolic rate will be so low that your body will utilize calories very sparingly. In order to quickly lose weightit is imperative that your thyroid is functioning adequately. This is a common problem afflicting those that carry excess weight.
A common way of comparing the metabolic rate of various individuals is to measure their basal metabolic rate. This is the rate at which the body breaks down stored energy when the person is in an alert but resting condition and has fasted for 12 hours. The direct assessment of BMR is made with the patient in a small chamber that has sensors that are capable of measuring heat liberated from the body. An indirect method is based on the measurement of the rate of oxygen consumption in respiration because the rate energy release from food is quantitatively related to oxygen consumption.
Thyroid hormones are of critical importance in controlling the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and in long term adaptation to stress, including prolonged exposure to cold. This is why it is imperative that you have your thryroid function tests performed prior to starting a weight loss program.
The major form of thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid gland is thyroxine (
T4). Much of the secreted T4 is converted by the liver and kidneys to a more active form, triodothyronine(T3), by removal of one iodine atom. The majority of the actions of iodine are attributable to T3 rather than T4. The major effect of thyroid hormones is to alter enzyme systems that affect metabolic rate.
Thyroid hormones potentiate the action of numerous other hormones. Thyroid hormone excretion is required for normal growth and development, particularly that of the central nervous system.
Release of thyroid hormone (T4) from the thyroid gland is governed by a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) that is released from the pituitary gland.
TSH levels are used by physicians to determine if your thyroid is producing an adequate amount of T4. If TSH is elevated then the doctor can conclude that your level of thyroid hormone is low, because the pituitary gland is attempting to prod the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone.
This is the bottom line. Obtain thyroid function tests done if you are overweight. You cannot reduce your weight if your thyroid is not working properly because it controls your metabolic rate. A decreased metabolic rate will make it extremely difficult for your to reduce your weight. This problem is not difficult to correct. Your physician can prescribe levothyroxine if your thyroid levels are diminished. This will have a very positive impact on your ability to lose weight.
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