The American Society of Clinical Oncology estimates around 57,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year. Cancer is just one possible issue that affects this very important gland in your neck. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease are also life-changing thyroid diseases that have an impact on body weight.
Culture sets the norms for beauty, so whether thyroid disease makes you gain or lose weight, you might, unfortunately, be subject to body shaming because not everyone knows how the thyroid works. A little knowledge goes a long way, though, so understanding more about this little butterfly-shaped gland can help.