Actor Arjun Kapoor, who recently made a villainous appearance in Ajay Devgn-starrer Singham Again, opened up about his diagnosis with Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune condition that causes the thyroid gland to gradually be destroyed.
In the interview with Hollywood Reporter India, Arjun revealed that he is coping with mild depression along with the thyroid disease diagnosis. “You will have moments of self-doubt in any profession. You fight through it. You look for validation. I am a fat kid at heart. I was diagnosed with mild depression, which was circumstantial. When you have an autoimmune disorder—I have something called Hashimoto's—it’s an extension of having a thyroid issue, but your antibodies fight against you. So, it’s almost like I can take a flight and gain weight because the body goes into stress,” the 39-year-old said.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Saroj Kumar Yadav, Consultant - Internal Medicine and Diabetes Specialist, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, explains what Hashimoto’s disease is, how it affects the body, and ways to manage the condition.
Also Read: Thyroid: Expert Explains Why Women Are More Prone To It
What Is Hashimoto’s Disease?
According to Dr Yadav, Hashimoto's disease, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.
He explains that there are many types of antibodies in our body, some of which are formed due to our infections, while others occur due to molecular mimicry. One of these is an autoantibody, which destroys our thyroid tissues, leading to a disease called Hashimoto’s, which was discovered by a Japanese scientist, Hashimoto.
Dr Yadav adds that initially, this attack can cause hyperthyroidism, or overproduction of thyroid hormones, resulting in temporary symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, thyroid hormone levels drop, leading to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland underperforms and affects numerous body functions, especially metabolism. Since the thyroid's function to regulate the body's metabolic rate is disrupted, energy levels, heat production, and even cardiovascular function are impacted, which, in turn, affects overall health.
Does Hashimoto's Disease Contribute To Weight Gain?
The short answer is yes—Hashimoto's disease often leads to weight gain, says Dr Yadav.
A 2021 study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that Hashimoto's disease is a common autoimmune condition that is more prevalent among women. Despite thyroid hormone replacement therapy, researchers noted that many individuals with Hashimoto's disease struggle with weight management.
Obesity is a significant global health issue, and studies have shown a link between obesity and Hashimoto's disease.
Dr Yadav explains, "When thyroid hormone levels decline due to tissue destruction, the body’s metabolic rate slows down, causing calories to be burnt less efficiently. This lower metabolism results in weight gain and increased difficulty in managing body weight, even with a balanced diet and exercise," describing weight gain as a hallmark symptom of hypothyroidism, particularly if the condition remains untreated.
Symptoms Of Hashimoto’s Disease
As discussed by Dr Yadav, in the early stages of Hashimoto's disease, when the thyroid may still release excess hormones due to inflammation, patients can experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which include:
- Palpitations or increased heart rate awareness
- Possible fever
- Neck pain
- Diarrhoea
However, as the disease progresses to hypothyroidism, symptoms shift, including:
- Fatigue
- Cold intolerance
- Hair loss
- Rough or dry skin
- Constipation
- Sometimes a thickened or hoarse voice due to fluid retention around the vocal cords
Can Hashimoto’s Disease Impact Mental Health?
-1731063376780.jpg)
While Hashimoto’s disease takes a significant toll on a patient's physical health, it can also significantly impact people’s mental health.
According to Dr Yadav, a lower metabolic rate affects brain function, causing sluggish thinking, reduced ability to focus, and memory issues. These cognitive symptoms can contribute to feelings of mental fog and lethargy. Furthermore, patients often experience heightened stress and depression, as the hormonal imbalance affects mood and energy levels. The physical symptoms and limitations can also lead to emotional distress, impacting the individual’s mental well-being and quality of life.
Also Read: Thyroid Cancer: Understanding Types, Symptoms, And Risk Factors
Treatment Options For Hashimoto’s Disease
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Hashimoto's disease as of now. However, it is manageable with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This lifelong treatment involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone, usually levothyroxine, to restore normal hormone levels and alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Proper management requires regular monitoring and adjustments in dosage, especially as thyroid function can fluctuate over time, says Dr Yadav, concluding that with consistent treatment, many patients can maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle and keep symptoms under control.
Image credit: Instagram/@arjunkapoor
How we keep this article up to date:
We work with experts and keep a close eye on the latest in health and wellness. Whenever there is a new research or helpful information, we update our articles with accurate and useful advice.
Current Version