Regular exercise can help give you the power to make better food and health choices. Exercise has been found to positively influence psychological aspects of eating like cognitive restraint and emotional eating; promoting increased motivation and a greater sense of control.

Conditions often suffered by people with thyroid problems such as obesity, hypertension, cholesterol fluctuations and type 2 diabetes affect millions of Australians and New Zealanders. This metabolic epidemic severely impacts both the human quality of life and the economy, costing millions of dollars each year. Even younger people are developing this cluster of dysfunctions, with a recent study finding 29% of those tested aged 14 years old were in the high risk category. That’s almost 30% of tested 14 year olds!

The authors of a 2012 Cochrane Review found strong evidence to show that childhood programs to reduce obesity are successful (albeit it was not specifically focused on thyroid hormone function). Programs within schools promoting healthy eating, physical activity and healthy body image, together with reinforcement from supportive home and cultural environments can definitely lead to successful weight management in children. By educating ourselves from a young age and embedding good dietary and lifestyle habits early, we can help society to achieve and maintain a healthy weight in the future.