General Discussion

And take a thyroid supplement, which has been increased many times over many years.
When levels are low, I gain weight. When meds are adjusted I lose weight, without changing my diet, which is very healthy. For 25 years I gained and was unable to lose, and my high was 168.
It came off on its own once my thyroid levels were normalized. My mother gave me endless grief about losing weight, I wasn't able to. The weight gain started and coincided with menopause, which I went through in my late 30's to 42. Menopausal women who gain weight are usually experiencing hormonal and therefore metabolic reductions and fluctuations.

Over these 25+ years I've had to fight with or leave MD's who told me my low levels were within normal limits when I complained of weight gain, and other symptoms. An endocrinologist told me they use a narrower range to define normal, and most GPs use outdated numbers. Thyroid affects the metabolism, and I know that many people who are obese have some type of metabolic disorder, not only from thyroid problems. I was never one to body shame my obese family member or friends, but I certainly developed a better understanding and appreciation for their situation when I gained and was unable to lose weight, through no fault of my own.

I also have been prediabetic for 20+ years. It has not progressed because I really watch what I eat. My father was diabetic, and I have glucose intolerance. Many who are prediabetic are overweight, and losing weight/changing diet will often reverse that condition. For me, and others, that's not the case. At first MD's told me to lose weight, which I was unable to do because of my thyroid, and exercise more, which I did to no avail. But I've been around 140 lbs (+/-5) for over 7 years, and it didn't reverse my high blood sugar.

Interestingly, one MD recommended me for a prediabetic program years ago. I didn't qualify because I was a normal weight/BMI. That program focused on a weight loss goal of a certain percentage and exercise programs. I was hoping to further increase my activity level, but they said they didn't recommend I lose weight as the program dictated. So I was rejected because I was not obese, but 5 years prior to that I had been.

It's often frustrating and hard to get good medical care. MD's and their staff often have tunnel vision, and don't treat the whole person. They see an obese person, or a smoker, or someone with anxiety, and attribute their complaints to that condition without looking further, or see test results "within normal limits" at the high or low end of the range and don't consider that further testing should be done.

About the body shaming of tfg (the former guy, not the fat guy), he did and does insult and body shame, and I think some people here believe he deserves it, the same as he dishes out. They wouldn't necessarily act that way towards others. But there's so much about him to insult without bringing his weight into it!

I'm so sorry your sister's cancer wasn't diagnosed in time. Marking the 40th anniversary of her death as you did here was very poingnant. Thank you for sharing. I hope it sparks awareness about body shaming here at DU.

Hugs.