Thyroid & Weight Loss: The Hidden Connection Holding You Back

At the 2025 Weight & Wellness Summit hosted by Vitaminis, we sat down with VJ Hamilton, also known as The Autoimmunity Nutritionist, to dive into the connections between autoimmune health, weight management, and holistic nutrition. VJ brings personal and professional insight to her work, having reversed her own autoimmune symptoms after decades of living with alopecia, psoriasis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Now symptom-free for nine years, she runs a virtual clinic helping others find lasting health through functional medicine and nutritional therapy.

In this Q&A with Vitaminis Founder, Leslie Danford, VJ explains why weight issues are often a symptom—not the cause—of deeper imbalances, and how small, sustainable lifestyle changes can have profound effects on both your body and your mindset.

Leslie: For those who aren’t familiar with you yet, can you share a bit about your background?

VJ: Absolutely. I run a virtual clinic called The Autoimmunity Nutritionist, where I support people dealing with autoimmune conditions as well as gut and hormonal issues. My journey started with my own health challenges. I had alopecia areata as a child and later developed psoriasis and chronic fatigue syndrome. It wasn’t until my early 30s that I discovered functional medicine and nutritional therapy. That changed everything. I reversed my symptoms and have now been symptom-free for nine years. I now use that same approach to help my clients do the same.

Leslie: At Vitaminis, we’re big believers in food as medicine. I love that you call your work “nutritional therapy.” How does that apply to weight?

VJ: A lot of my clients come in with autoimmune or inflammatory issues, but weight management often appears as their third or fourth goal. What I’ve found is that when we address the root causes of inflammation—whether that’s gut dysbiosis, thyroid issues, or food sensitivities—the weight often resolves itself. As inflammation goes down and thyroid function improves, their bodies return to a healthy weight naturally. It’s about healing, not just dieting.

Leslie: Thyroid health seems to be a recurring topic—what’s the connection between thyroid function and weight?

VJ: The thyroid is your metabolic thermostat. It influences everything from energy levels to how easily you lose or gain weight. A lot of people are told their thyroid numbers are “normal” based on TSH levels, but that doesn’t tell the full story. T3, the active thyroid hormone, often isn’t tested but plays a critical role in weight regulation, energy production, and even temperature control. If T3 is low, people may struggle with fatigue, weight gain, hair thinning—especially around the eyebrows—and dry skin.

Leslie: So T3 is the one to watch?

VJ: Exactly. Even if someone is on thyroid medication like levothyroxine—which is T4—it needs to convert to T3 in the body. That conversion depends on nutrients, stress levels, and liver function. If that conversion isn’t happening effectively, the medication may not help much. I often see clients who are on thyroid meds but still feel tired, cold, and stuck at an unhealthy weight.

Leslie: You mentioned inflammation and the thyroid being linked. How else might someone know their thyroid is affecting their weight?

VJ: Any sudden or unexplained changes in weight should be a red flag. If someone gains weight over 3–6 months and can’t lose it, or if they lose weight rapidly with other symptoms like anxiety, it could be related to thyroid imbalance. For women in their 40s or 50s, these symptoms can overlap with perimenopause, so it takes some detective work. That’s where personalized testing and looking at gut and liver health come in.

Leslie: So instead of calorie counting or restrictive dieting, what do you recommend for healthy, lasting weight management?

VJ: I actually caution against long-term calorie restriction. It may work short-term, but it often backfires. People can become nutrient depleted, which impairs thyroid function and metabolism. Instead, I focus on nutrient-dense foods—whole foods, quality proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. A palm-sized portion of protein with each meal, minimal snacking, and reducing processed foods can be transformative. Hunger and cravings are often hormone-driven, and when you feed your body what it truly needs, those cravings go away.

Leslie: That’s really empowering—eating more real food instead of obsessing over less food.

VJ: Yes, and having a healthy mindset around food is critical too. If someone needs to avoid gluten or dairy, I make sure they have nourishing alternatives so they don’t feel restricted. I really try to steer clients away from obsessive calorie tracking. When inflammation is down, the thyroid is supported, and you’re eating real, whole foods—you usually don’t even have to think about your weight anymore. Your body knows what to do.

Leslie: I love how you tie physical health to emotional well-being. Can you tell us about your Autoimmunity Recovery Plan?

VJ: Of course. While it’s called the Autoimmunity Recovery Plan, it’s truly helpful for anyone. It includes exercises to strengthen emotional resilience—because how we feel emotionally affects the choices we make for our bodies. It also focuses on detoxification to support liver function, includes nutrient-dense food guidance, and suggests lifestyle practices that bring joy and energy. There's even a food diary and tips like dry brushing. You can download it and start the same day. It’s all about making small, doable changes that build over time.

Leslie: That’s so needed. With so much advice out there, your approach makes it feel achievable.

VJ: It really doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one thing—a healthy shot each day, five minutes of journaling, or a daily 10-minute walk. Build from there. That’s how I did it. I didn’t make every change overnight. But now, at 42, I feel better than I did at 18. That’s what nutrition and self-care can do.

Leslie: That’s incredibly inspiring. For readers who want to learn more or connect with you directly, where can they find you?

VJ: You can visit theautoimmunitynutritionist.com or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist. Most of my resources are available on those platforms, and I love connecting with people, so feel free to send a message.