Function

• Your thyroid is a type of endocrine gland that releases hormones to help regulate your metabolism. The thyroid is located in at the bottom of your neck.
  
  

Types

• Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is a condition in which your thyroid fails to release an adequate amount of hormones. As a result, your metabolism slows down.
  
  

Identification

• Hypothyroidism causes an array of symptoms, including sudden weight gain. The weight is primarily attributed to water retention, and not fat. You may experience the most bloating in your abdomen.
  
  

Treatment

• Thyroid hormones are prescribed to hypothyroid patients to make up for the decreased hormone production. These will help speed up your metabolism and help your abdomen shrink back to normal.
  
  

Considerations

• Losing abdominal weight takes time. You should not rely solely on your thyroid hormone pills to help you lose weight. Eat a low-fat diet and perform regular cardiovascular exercises to help you lose abdominal weight.
  
  

Warning

• Do not stop taking your thyroid medication once you get back into shape. A lack of abdominal bloating is merely a sign that your hormone replacements are working, and does not indicate that your condition is cured.