If you tend to gain weight across your entire body and find it difficult to lose, you may be a thyroid body type.
An underactive thyroid is the primary driver of the thyroid body type by slowing your metabolism and reducing fat burning, and contributes to symptoms such as low energy and brain fog.
Discover if you may be a thyroid body type and learn how to support optimal thyroid function with Healthy Keto®, intermittent fasting, and targeted nutritional strategies.
The five body types explained
There are five body types, each defined by specific patterns of hormone dominance, fat distribution, and how the body’s systems function.
These body types can influence where you gain weight, how easily you lose it, and what diet or lifestyle may work best for you.
Here are the five body types and how they may affect your health and well-being.
1. Thyroid body type
“The thyroid gland regulates metabolic processes and affects every cell in the body. When it isn’t working properly, critical systems slow down–including fat burning, protein synthesis, and energy production,” explains Dr. Berg.
A thyroid body type is typically marked by weight gain evenly distributed throughout the body, low energy, a slow metabolism, as well as lower levels of iodine and the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
It’s essential to support your thyroid naturally if you have a thyroid body type. This may include adjusting your protein intake to match a slower metabolism, avoiding processed foods, and consuming more iodine, an essential mineral for thyroid hormone production.
Issues with the liver, gallbladder, adrenal glands, and excess estrogen levels typically contribute to reduced thyroid function, highlighting the importance of supporting overall health to support weight loss and hormone balance, especially for thyroid body types.
Watch the video below to learn more about the thyroid body type.
2. Adrenal body type
The adrenal body type is primarily associated with imbalanced adrenal hormones, particularly elevated levels of cortisol, which is the body’s primary stress hormone.
The adrenal body type often presents with weight gain concentrated in the lower abdomen or a sagging belly. Those affected by an adrenal body type may have problems with sleep, fertility, digestive processes, and blood pressure, all of which may be linked to cortisol dominance.
A nutrient-dense diet rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamin C, and potassium is crucial for supporting adrenal health naturally. Potassium, in particular, acts as a natural relaxant for the nervous system and can help counteract the effects of stress.
In addition to nutritional support, adrenal body types benefit from practicing stress reduction by getting adequate sleep and incorporating calming activities such as long, relaxing walks, deep breathing techniques, and stretching exercises.
3. Ovary body type
The ovary body type is characterized by weight gain concentrated around the hips, thighs, and lower abdomen, especially below the belly button. Some may also notice weight gain in the arms and breasts.
The ovary body type is associated with estrogen dominance, influenced primarily by environmental exposure. Ovary body types may experience heavy periods and cramping, cyclical mood swings, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Ovary body types tend to be more sensitive to estrogen and environmental compounds that mimic estrogen, known as endocrine disruptors. This may include birth control pills, household and personal care products, fabrics, plastics, and other consumer products.
Endocrine disruptors are also commonly found in non-organic and genetically modified (GMO) foods and agricultural chemicals such as glyphosate. This explains why choosing organic, non-GMO foods is particularly important for individuals with this body type.
Those with an ovary body type should also avoid processed foods, which often contain GMO soy protein, and be cautious about consuming foods with high hormone content, such as dairy.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts, have potential anti-estrogenic properties that can help support estrogen clearance. Adequate dietary iodine intake is also essential, as iodine helps regulate estrogen metabolism and supports overall hormone balance.
4. Liver body type
The liver body type is marked by weight gain concentrated in the abdominal area, often presenting as a large, firm, protruding belly or beer belly.
This can result from liver damage, often due to excess fat accumulation or chronic inflammation. When the liver is impaired, it can leak a fluid called ascitic fluid into the abdominal cavity, leading to noticeable bloating or swelling.
Common signs of a sluggish liver include right shoulder pain, skin issues, chronic bad breath, bloating, hot feet, and cravings for sweets or fried foods, especially after meals.
Fortunately, the liver is the only organ in the body capable of fully regenerating itself. To help promote natural liver detoxification and repair, those with a liver body type diet benefit from prioritizing leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, while avoiding alcohol, sugar, processed foods, and seed oils.
Additionally, it’s best to moderate protein intake and gradually increase the intake of healthy fats to avoid overwhelming the liver while still supporting energy and nutrient absorption.
5. Pancreas body type
A pancreas body type is driven by high insulin levels and insulin resistance, typically caused by frequent eating, and a diet high in sugar and refined carbs. This can lead to fat accumulation primarily in the midsection, usually appearing as a soft, sagging belly.
Though the pancreas body type may resemble the adrenal body type, the root cause differs. While an adrenal body shape is typically triggered by chronic stress and high cortisol, the pancreas body shape is generally caused by dietary habits that trigger excessive insulin release.
Individuals with a pancreas body type benefit from supporting balanced insulin levels by following a Healthy Keto diet and practicing intermittent fasting.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland approximately 2.5 inches wide, located at the front of the neck. Its name derives from the Greek word thyreos, which translates to shield-shaped.
The thyroid gland produces the hormone T4, which is then converted into its active form, T3. These hormones influence nearly every cell in the body, including growth and development, energy levels, temperature regulation, and metabolic processes.
When the thyroid isn’t functioning correctly, your ability to convert food or stored body fat into energy is affected, which contributes to increased fat storage and weight gain.
Because around 80 percent of conversion from T4 to T3 occurs in the liver, individuals with thyroid imbalances often also experience a sluggish or fatty liver, which can further disrupt hormone function.
Thyroid body type symptoms
Because thyroid hormones influence every cell in the body, low thyroid function can affect physical appearance, mood regulation, metabolic pathways, and hormonal balance.
Common signs associated with the thyroid body type include:
- Evenly distributed weight gain
- Persistent tiredness despite adequate sleep
- Brain fog
- Low mood
- Carbohydrate cravings
- Thinning hair, especially around the crown
- Sagging skin under arms, chin, or midsection
- Brittle nails with vertical ridges
- Puffy eyes and sagging eyelids
- Loss of outer eyebrow thirds
- Cold hands, feet, and cold intolerance
- Slow reflexes and muscle recovery
- Poor nutrient absorption
- Constipation
- Digestive issues
- Reduced libido
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Deeper, rougher-sounding voice
Symptoms such as extreme exhaustion, rapid weight changes, and severe mood shifts may be indicative of autoimmune thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease, and should be discussed with a licensed healthcare provider.
If you suspect a thyroid imbalance, consult a doctor or endocrinologist for personalized testing and professional evaluation.
What is the thyroid body type diet?
A diet tailored to your specific body type can support a healthy metabolism, encourage natural fat-burning, and help you achieve your ideal body shape.
For thyroid body types, combining Healthy Keto and intermittent fasting can help support hormonal balance, promote optimal energy levels, and encourage sustainable fat loss by improving metabolic flexibility and reducing exposure to harmful ingredients.
To reduce additional strain on the liver, thyroid body types should also moderate protein intake to around three ounces per meal and avoid consuming fructose and alcohol.
Choose high-quality animal-based proteins and avoid soy products such as soy milk, tofu, and soy-based meat alternatives, which may interfere with thyroid hormone activity and potentially contribute to estrogen imbalances.
Although a healthy ketogenic diet can be one of the best eating plans for a thyroid body type, thyroid body types should ease into fat consumption to avoid overwhelming a slower metabolism.
It’s recommended to focus on nutrient-dense fats such as egg yolks, grass-fed butter, olive oil, and avocado, and avoid deep-fried foods or processed fats and seed oils that can burden the liver and gallbladder.
Individuals with thyroid body types should avoid goitrogenic foods such as cassava, lima beans, sweet potatoes, millet, and soy products. Instead, they should include more iodine-rich foods, such as sea kelp, in their diet.
Goitrogens are compounds that can inhibit iodine uptake and interfere with thyroid function. When consumed in large quantities, these foods may decrease iodine availability and hinder thyroid hormone production.
While raw cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, are also considered goitrogenic, they offer anti-estrogenic properties, which can be beneficial for a thyroid body type.
Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences notes that cooking cruciferous vegetables, particularly those in the Brassicaceae family, can help reduce potential goitrogenic activity, making them a better choice for those with thyroid concerns.1
Finally, thyroid body types should avoid low-calorie dieting, as this can further suppress an already sluggish metabolism.
Instead, focus on high-quality, nutrient-dense meals that supply essential vitamins and minerals while minimizing exposure to inflammatory or endocrine-disrupting ingredients.
How to fix a thyroid body type and lose weight
Thyroid issues often go unnoticed until they appear on blood tests, by which time some degree of imbalance or damage may have already developed.
Fortunately, proactively adopting targeted diet and lifestyle changes can help support thyroid health and metabolic functions before imbalances become severe.
Thyroid types benefit most from combining Healthy Keto with intermittent fasting to address a slow metabolism and weight gain.
Reducing refined carbs and processed foods helps lower insulin and promote fat burning, while gradually reducing meal frequency and eliminating snacking can also help improve metabolic flexibility.
Research published in Cureus highlights that low levels of selenium, iodine, zinc, and vitamins B12 and D can impair thyroid function and increase the risk of developing thyroid disorders.2
To support normal thyroid function, avoid foods that may interfere with nutrient absorption or stress the liver, such as sweeteners, most fruits, grains, starches, beans, lentils, and alcohol, which disrupt blood sugar balance and hinder fat metabolism.
Instead, focus on consuming foods rich in thyroid-supportive nutrients, such as selenium, iodine, zinc, choline, and vitamins B12 and D3.
Selenium, found in Brazil nuts, meat, sardines, sunflower seeds, and pasture-raised eggs, is crucial for T4 to T3 conversion. Iodine, essential for thyroid hormone production, is best obtained through sea kelp, nori, and cod.
Zinc, found in oysters, grass-fed beef, and pumpkin seeds, supports thyroid and liver function with its immunomodulatory properties and its role in hormone synthesis, antioxidant support, and cellular repair.
Vitamin B12 from animal products such as beef, salmon, and eggs supports overall thyroid health and energy metabolism.
Vitamin D3, obtained primarily through sunlight exposure, helps modulate immune function. Choline, found in egg yolks, grass-fed liver, and salmon, also supports liver health and promotes optimal fat metabolism.
Key takeaways
The thyroid body type is characterized by a slow metabolism, evenly distributed weight gain, and low energy. Supporting thyroid health with Healthy Keto and intermittent fasting may help restore metabolic balance and promote fat-burning.
Those with low thyroid function should avoid low-calorie diets, excess protein, and goitrogenic foods, which can disrupt iodine absorption and burden the liver.
Instead, focusing on nutrient-rich whole foods that promote hormone balance and liver health, including pasture-raised eggs, sea kelp, wild-caught seafood, and selenium-rich Brazil nuts, is crucial.
FAQ
1. Is there a thyroid body type?
Yes, the thyroid body type is often characterized by a slow metabolism, low energy, and weight gain distributed evenly across the body.
2. What is the thyroid body type?
A thyroid body type is typically associated with low thyroid activity, leading to a sluggish metabolism and difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise efforts.
Those with a thyroid body type often experience weight gain evenly distributed across their entire body rather than concentrated in one area.
3. What does the thyroid body type look like?
The thyroid body type usually presents with weight gain spread across the entire body and is often accompanied by low energy, cold sensitivity, a slow metabolism, and dry skin.
4. How can I lose weight with a thyroid body type?
Following a Healthy Keto® diet paired with intermittent fasting can support fat-burning and metabolic health. Avoiding processed foods and gradually working towards fewer, more nutrient-dense meals daily can also be highly beneficial if you have a slower metabolism.
5. What can I eat for the thyroid body type?
Focus on foods rich in iodine, selenium, zinc, and choline, such as pasture-raised eggs, sea kelp, wild-caught fish, Brazil nuts, and leafy greens.
It’s also recommended to avoid goitrogenic foods, including soy, cassava, lima beans, sweet potatoes, millet, and raw cruciferous vegetables, which may interfere with iodine absorption and affect thyroid function.
6. What is the best exercise for the thyroid body type?
Anaerobic activity is the best exercise for thyroid body types and is excellent for stimulating fat-burning hormones and supporting long-term metabolic health.
Some of the best anaerobic exercises for thyroid body types include strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and mild aerobic exercises such as walking, light jogging, biking, and swimming.
7. Is the keto diet good for the thyroid body type?
Yes, especially when combined with intermittent fasting, Healthy Keto supports liver health, balances insulin levels, and boosts intake of nutrient-rich whole foods that promote hormone balance.
Following a Healthy Keto diet also helps increase essential mineral intake, which supports thyroid function and hormone production.
8. How can I detox the thyroid body type?
Intermittent fasting and a whole-food Healthy Keto approach can naturally support the liver and gallbladder, which are crucial for hormone conversion and detoxification.
Incorporating more anti-estrogenic cruciferous vegetables and iodine-rich foods such as sea kelp, while avoiding gluten-containing grains, may also help support detoxification and balanced thyroid function.
9. What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a state of low thyroid function, where the body doesn’t produce enough active thyroid hormones. This condition is often associated with fatigue, slow metabolism, weight gain, cold intolerance, and brain fog.
In many cases, hypothyroidism is not just a thyroid problem. It often stems from underlying issues, including liver dysfunction, estrogen dominance, nutrient deficiencies such as iodine and selenium, chronic stress, or autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s.
10. Can people with hypothyroidism be slim?
Yes. Supporting thyroid health with the right diet, fasting, and liver-focused strategies can help your metabolism function more efficiently.
Many people experience improvements by following Healthy Keto and prioritizing whole-food nutrition rich in key minerals such as selenium, iodine, choline, and zinc.
11. Why do people with hypothyroidism gain weight?
Low thyroid function reduces the body’s metabolic rate, meaning the body stores more energy as fat. When thyroid hormone conversion is impaired–often due to liver stress–fat burning becomes even less effective.
Supporting liver function and avoiding sugars and refined carbs can help reverse this pattern and restore hormonal balance.
