Expert: Karen Brawner - 2/27/2004

Question
I just recently started taking medication for this problem. At the same time I had started doing the Atkins diet.  Do you think this is a good idea?  Should I be eating a well-balanced diet or will doing the Atkins help me to see weight loss sooner?  Also, how likely is it that I will have to take thyroid medication for the rest of my life?

Answer
Dear Jamie,   Once you are diagnosed with a thyroid problem such as hypothyroidism and start medication you will be it on the rest of your life to sustain thyroid hormone function.....

As for the atkins diet, since you have hypothyroidism, you may not even loose weight on this diet....  I would talk to your doctor about this diet with hypothyroidism....

Thank you,    karen