There is a lot more to hypothyroidism than you have been led to believe and to say that eating too much leads to hypothyroidism is a lot more than over simplification, it is downright misleading and statements or indications of a link between obesity and hypothyroidism are speculative at best. While an unexplained weight gain may be a symptom of hypothyroidism, and such a symptom could lead to obesity, there is absolutely no shred of evidence to suggest that eating more food than needed can cause hypothyroidism. If this were the case the condition would be a lot more common than it is.
Hypothyroidism may be a condition that we are all familiar with or have at least heard of, but it is nowhere near as widespread as obesity. As the name suggests this is a condition that afflicts the thyroid glands inducing an underactive state, which means that the thyroid glands do not produce the necessary amount of certain hormones. Hypothyroidism tends to be more common among women over the age of fifty, but it can afflict anyone. The condition causes an upset in the normal chemical balance of your body. Importantly the hormones produce by the thyroid glands are necessary to regulate the body’s metabolism, which means that changes in the productivity affect your metabolism. In the case of hypothyroidism this means that due to decreased production of the hormones metabolism slows down, which can help explain some symptoms.
In the early stage hypothyroidism rarely causes symptoms, but this can change over time if untreated and it can then cause a variety of health problems like joint pain, fatigue, sluggishness, constipation, puffiness, dry skin, muscle aches and weakness, obesity and other problems. Obesity in itself is a problem that does warrant concern if not caused by hypothyroidism because of the various health risks it poses, but if caused by hypothyroidism then the thyroid problem is what needs to be addressed.
I would advice you to get your son to another doctor as well for a second opinion to ascertain what exactly the problem is and accordingly formulate an action plan. Whatever the recommendations of your doctor, if your son does suffer from hypothyroidism there are a number of natural methods, dietary and lifestyle changes and self care practices that can be followed to overcome the problem and live a normal life. Hypothyroidism does not have to be a debilitating illness. Likewise if your son simply suffers from obesity alone this can also be remedied with natural means. Since there seems to be a lot of confusion in your mind I would strongly advice you to ascertain the facts with a second opinion before pursuing any treatment plan.
answered by S D