Weight Gain Linked To Iodine Deficiency

Seaweed has found its way into trendy restaurants, and traditional dishes, but now an independent Study at Glasgow University has found that 63% of the UK population are deficient in iodine, the principal element it contains.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency

* weight gain

* feeling tired

* loss of energy

* dry/brittle nails

* dry hair and skin

* low thyroid

* feelings of being run down

* aching muscles

Why seaweed?

The study used a new supplement which contains organic seaweed which is being hailed for its powerful health and beauty benefits. Women who have a diet that is low in dairy products and seafood they say would benefit from a daily seaweed supplement to boost vital iodine levels.

Celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Milla Jovovich and Oprah Winfrey are reported to be big fans of adding seaweed to their diet, but it is not advisable to just haul it off the seashore unless you know know exactly what to look for. You will also find iodine in mackerel, but the supplement tested was Napiers Seagreens Hebridean Kelp Supplement and the tests found a single capsule contained the same amount of iodine as eating one and a half whole mackerel a day.

The supplement contains extract of wild wrack seaweed from Scotland’s Outer Hebrides and it was found to it replenish the body’s levels of iodine in as little as three days.

The Thyroid and Menopause Connection

What many women do not realise is that iodine deficiency and thyroid problems often go hand in hand with menopause. The thyroid gland requires iodine to produce the hormones that regulate your metabolism, and when levels are low, everything slows down. This is why weight gain linked to iodine deficiency can be so frustrating — you may be eating well and exercising, yet still finding the scales creep upwards.

At menopause, changing hormone levels can further affect thyroid function. Oestrogen dominance in particular may interfere with thyroid hormone activity, creating a double burden if iodine is already low.

Food Sources of Iodine

While seaweed supplements are one option, there are several everyday foods that can help boost your iodine intake naturally:

• Fish and shellfish — particularly cod, tuna, and prawns
• Dairy products — milk, yoghurt, and cheese
• Eggs
• Iodised salt (used in moderation)
• Seaweed snacks and kelp

Practical Tips

If you suspect your iodine levels may be low, a simple blood test from your GP can check your thyroid function. Many women find that addressing both iodine and hormone balance together brings the best results. Ensuring adequate progesterone levels can also support thyroid function, as progesterone helps sensitise thyroid hormone receptors.

A balanced diet rich in whole foods, combined with attention to your overall hormone health, is the best foundation for maintaining a healthy weight through menopause and beyond. If you are concerned about your thyroid or iodine levels, speak to your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

Remember too that chronic stress can deplete both iodine and key hormones like progesterone, so managing stress through gentle exercise, relaxation techniques, and adequate rest is another important piece of the puzzle for maintaining your overall hormonal and thyroid health during the menopause years and beyond.