Does hypothyroidism lead to weight gain?

Q: I am a 29 years old female suffering from hypothyroidism for the last six years. I weigh 79 kg. I take Eltroxin 50 mg and am unable to lose weight. I missed a dose once and think I am gaining weight because of it. What should I do to lose weight?

A:This is myth that thyroid disease (hypothyroidism) causes obesity. This is true that there is increase in weight by 3-5 kg due to hypothyroidism and that comes down after treatment. There is no way one can gain weight by missing a single dose. You need to concentrate on obesity management by diet and exercise intially and later on medications.