Expert Q&A

How I finished 2023 vs 2025 for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's

My 2023 Reality: Stuck Despite Doing "Everything Right"

In 2023 I weighed 237 pounds with diagnosed Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism. My TSH was 4.8 even on 75 mcg levothyroxine. Joint pain made walking up stairs feel impossible, and every diet I tried failed within weeks. Hormonal changes around perimenopause made fat loss feel hopeless. Insurance denied coverage for any weight program, and conflicting nutrition advice left me overwhelmed. I ended the year frustrated, embarrassed, and managing both diabetes and high blood pressure alongside obesity.

The CFP Weight Loss Turning Point

By early 2024 I adopted the core methodology from my book The CFP Weight Loss Protocol, focusing on three non-negotiables that work specifically for those with thyroid disease. First, we optimized thyroid labs beyond TSH—free T3, free T4, and reverse T3—adjusting medication with my doctor until my free T3 reached the upper quartile. Second, we addressed insulin resistance common in Hashimoto's by shifting to a moderate-protein, lower-carb template (under 80g net carbs daily) that didn't require complicated meal plans. Third, we introduced joint-friendly movement: 20-minute daily walks plus resistance bands instead of high-impact exercise.

Measurable 2025 Results

By December 2025 I had lost 64 pounds, reaching 173 pounds. My A1C dropped from 6.8 to 5.4, blood pressure normalized without extra meds, and joint pain decreased by 70% according to my pain journal. Energy returned enough to enjoy daily life without the 3pm crash. Most importantly, I broke the cycle of failed diets by focusing on sustainable habits that respect thyroid function and middle-income budgets—no expensive shakes or gym memberships required.

Actionable Steps You Can Start Today

Begin by requesting full thyroid labs including antibodies if you haven't in the past year. Track your morning basal body temperature for 7 days—below 97.4°F often signals suboptimal conversion. Implement a simple 16:8 eating window that fits your schedule, prioritizing protein at 0.8g per pound of goal weight. For those with joint pain, start with seated band exercises 3x weekly. The community results show 68% of participants with hypothyroidism lose 40+ pounds in 18 months when these principles are followed consistently. My book details exact food lists, lab interpretation guides, and time-efficient routines designed for busy 45-54 year olds who have tried everything else.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows a mix of cautious optimism and hard-won victories around hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's weight loss. Many share 2023 stories of stalled scales despite strict calorie counting and endless supplement trials. Most practitioners report that once they pushed for optimal free T3 levels and addressed underlying insulin resistance, the scale finally moved. A vocal minority debates the role of gluten and dairy elimination, with some seeing dramatic inflammation drops while others notice little change. Lived experiences frequently mention relief from joint pain after swapping intense cardio for walking and resistance bands. Insurance barriers and time constraints dominate complaints, yet many celebrate sustainable 40-60 pound losses achieved without fancy programs. Newer members often feel overwhelmed by lab values and conflicting advice, while longer-term participants emphasize patience with thyroid fluctuations during perimenopause. Overall sentiment leans toward empowerment once the right protocol clicks, though skepticism remains high after years of failed diets.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). How I finished 2023 vs 2025 for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://blog.cfpweightloss.com/ask/how-i-finished-2023-vs-2025-for-those-with-hypothyroidism-or-hashimoto-s
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

📖 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get the Book →
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