stroutman81

Very good point.

Even in the case of hormonal dysfunction, thermodynamics still apply.

There is an energy input and an energy output side of the equation, right?

In it's simplest form, the equation looks like:

energy in = energy out

If energy in doesn't = energy out, we have:

energy in = energy out + change in body mass

Since energy cannot be created nor can it be destroyed... if we take in less energy than our bodies need, there will be a loss of body mass. If we take in more energy than our bodies need, there will be a gain of body mass.

Energy in is supplied by the foods we eat. It's not as clear cut as you'd think as various biochemical inefficiencies exist to vary the actual amount of energy that gets stored on an individual basis, but we don't need to go to that level of understanding.

On the energy out side of the equation we have four main variable of energy expenditure. These are Basal Matabolic Rate (BMR), Thermic Effect of Food (TEF), Thermic Effect of Activity (TEA), and Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT). I won't go into detail here but sufficed to say the out side is a bit more variable and complex than the in side.

Coming full circle, a thyroid issue tend to drop the energy out side of the equation. Energy requirements are determined by body size, activity, the foods you eat, etc. What would ordinarily be considered a maintenance intake (where energy in = energy out) for someone of a given size, activity, etc. would actually be a surplus given a thyroid problem.

The medical issue stands to reduce BMR and TEA (NEAT too maybe) to lower the energy out side of things.

Thermodynamics still apply to this system... it simply has to be adjusted. This person's maintenance is lower than what would be expected of someone with similar stats and lifestyles who doesn't have a thyroid issue.

Hopefully that makes sense.

And yea, when I said nobody needs help losing weight, I should've been more clear. I typically couch such absolute statements with something like, "Outside the realm of those with medical complications."

Someone with thyroid doesn't necessarily *need* help but it (pharmaceutical intervention) would certainly make life much easier.

Clear?

Hopefully my words weren't taken as an attack as that certainly wasn't my intention.

stroutman81

As has been noted above, I think you need to re-look at a physics text before delving into this conversation. I'm not trying to be rude... only helpful.

Best to you.

johndavid1804

It varies according to situation and the suit from person to person.
doctors may have more ideas about it.

x.st.angel.x

Old thread

__________________
Lifes not about how many breaths you take its about how many moments take your breath away!