Unexpected weight gain
Unexpected weight gain is another sign of an iodine deficiency. It occurs when the body does not produce sufficient iodine to produce thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play a significant role in maintaining the speed of your metabolism, a process through which your body converts food into heat and energy. When your thyroid hormone levels are low, your body starts to burn fewer calories at rest. This means that more calories from the foods you eat will be stored as fat. Doctors recommend adding more iodine to your diet to help you treat the effects of a slow metabolism. Adding more iodine to your diet will also promote the production of more thyroid hormones.