Thyroid Function

Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones controlling how fast your body burns energy — your metabolism. When the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), your metabolism slows down, which can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty losing weight. A simple blood test can check if your thyroid is working properly.

Thyroid function refers to the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis regulating circulating levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), the primary hormones governing basal metabolic rate, thermogenesis, and macronutrient metabolism. Primary hypothyroidism (elevated TSH, low free T4) affects approximately 4.6% of the population and reduces resting energy expenditure by 15–30%. Even subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 4.5–10 mIU/L with normal free T4) is associated with modest weight gain and reduced efficacy of weight-loss interventions.

Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise may signal an underlying thyroid disorder. At Accord Medical, Dr Joseph Wang routinely evaluates thyroid function as part of a thorough weight management workup, ensuring hormonal causes are identified and treated appropriately.