I have a friend that can not lose weight!?

I have a friend that is probably 40 lbs overweight. She walks at a brisk pace for 45 minutes 5 days a week. She is not an overeater and in general eats healthy, whole foods. I am 100% convinced that she is not a "closet eater".

Despite making good food choices and excercising, she can't lose weight. In fact, the scale continues to move upwards. She is pear shaped, carrying all of her weight in her hips/thighs/butt. She doesn't carry fat in her midsection, has perfectly clear skin, and no unusual hair growth. So, I don't suspect PCOS.

I have encouraged her to keep a food and excercise journal and schedule an appt with an endocrinologist because her PCP has done no workup and shows little concern.

What tests should be done to indicate if their is a metabolic disorder going on? I'm thinking cortisol, estrogens, androgens, etc.

Help... my friend is becoming very depressed over this!!

Few things;
1. Definately have the thyroid checked, agree with an endocrinologist
2. consider a personal trainer, maybe the type of exercise needs to be changed
3. Look at the pattern of eating, skipping meals and eating one big meal?
4. Look at the calories on a calorie counting program such as fitday. Even though the foods are "healthy" there could be hidden fat calories or even the amounts eaten may be more than needed.

She needs to contact her physcian and have blood work done. Possible low thyroid function She needs to insist on answers from doctor. Medication is available for low/no thyroid function.