Hypothyroidism and Weight

 

     So apparently, I have a mild case of hypothyroidism. Its a condition where your thyroid, which secretes the hormones that turns food, or fat, into fuel, works more slowly than it should. Making it slightly harder to lose weight, have energy, and even stay warm in cool weather.  Its an affliction that happens to all redheads, and has to do with the genetic mutation that causes red hair, which is an adaptation to cold weather.
     As you all already know, I have struggled with about 10% of my body weight my entire life, and this condition could be to blame. About 5-10% of excess body fat can be blamed on a sluggish thyroid. Am I stuck with these 10 lbs? No, but I have to work really really hard to get it off.
     I recently read an article that talked about the genetic link to obesity and found an unnerving stat. I learned that people whose close relatives that are overweight or obese, such as parents, have a 35% harder time assimilating fat, and can store up to 35% more of their food as fat vs people who don't have the "obesity gene", even when given the same diet and exercise program.
     So, looking at my genetics, I seem to have been dealt a pretty shitty hand.  My mom and dad both struggle with obesity and too much fat, along with honestly, the vast percentage of my family, and even though I love being a redhead, it seems that it comes at a price.
     This halloween weekend, I had a great time. I drank alcohol on 2 different occasions, but kept my eating healthy and worked out 2 out of the 3 days. Stepping on the scale this morning, I had gained 4.5lbs.
     For some reason, alcohol has an effect on my body unlike anything else. I can eat 2lbs of chicken and a bar of dark chocolate and wake up the next day the same, but if I touch alcohol or white, processed, carbs and dairy (like pizza) I blow up like a balloon.
     Its soooo frustrating to have to put in 145% whereas some people can give 50% for the same effect.  Why have I been dealt this unfair hand?  And is it worth having a good time, to gain so much weight, and put myself back by 2 weeks from 2 days worth of partying? Is there some way to change your genetics?