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Four tests â thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies â are required to accurately assess the function of the thyroid gland, our master gland of metabolism. An optimal TSH level should be less than 2.0, not the currently accepted 4.7 reported by most labs.
1 Thyroid disease slows down the metabolism. What your brain perceives as appropriate food intake levels can then exceed your body's metabolism, creating weight gain.  Your body is under stress, which interferes with the neurotransmitter functions, and is known to reduce the release of serotonin.