Official Answer. In most cases, levothyroxine causes some weight loss. According to the American Thyroid Association, when this medication is started, you may lose up to 10% of your weight. This weight is mainly water weight, since being hypothyroid makes you retain water.
Is it easier to lose weight when you take levothyroxine?
October 16, 2013 — Decreased thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, is commonly associated with weight gain. But contrary to popular belief, effective treatment with levothyroxine (LT4) to restore normal thyroid hormone levels is not associated with clinically significant weight loss in most people.
How long does it take to start losing weight on levothyroxine?
“Sometimes in an effort to lose weight, people cut their calories too far, and this often causes plateaus and yo-yoing between undereating and overeating,” Harris says. “Thyroid levels can take 3 to 6 months to return to a normal level. Generally, weight loss of a pound a week is achievable and sustainable.”
Will thyroid medication help me lose weight?
Many studies have shown that excess thyroid hormone treatment can help produce more weight loss than can be achieved by dieting alone. However, once the excess thyroid hormone is stopped, the excess weight loss is usually regained.
Why am I gaining weight while taking levothyroxine?
Weight gain
This is because the drug can increase your appetite, which may make you eat more food than usual. It’s also possible for you to gain weight if your dose of Synthroid isn’t high enough for your body’s needs. This is because if your thyroid hormone levels aren’t high enough, your metabolism* may be slowed.
Why am I gaining weight while taking thyroid medication?
Thyroid hormones interact with many of your tissues, including your brain, fat cells, muscle, liver, and pancreas. When thyroid levels are low, your metabolism slows down and you burn less energy, even when you’re resting. You are also less likely to burn fat for energy, which can cause weight gain.
How much weight will I lose on levothyroxine?
In most cases, levothyroxine causes some weight loss. According to the American Thyroid Association, when this medication is started, you may lose up to 10% of your weight. This weight is mainly water weight, since being hypothyroid makes you retain water.
Is 25 mcg levothyroxine a lot?
The initial recommended dosage is 25 micrograms daily. In such conditions, the daily dose may be increased by 25 micrograms at intervals of every 2 – 4 weeks, until mild symptoms of hyperthyroidism is seen. The dose will then be reduced slightly.
Does levothyroxine increase metabolism?
One way to manage weight gain is by taking the thyroid hormone medicine your doctor prescribed. A daily dose of levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid) will rev up your thyroid hormone production again, and with it, your metabolism.
How can I lose 50 pounds with hypothyroidism?
Use these six strategies to jump-start weight loss with hypothyroidism.
- Cut Out Simple Carbs and Sugars. …
- Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods. …
- Stick to Small, Frequent Meals. …
- Keep a Food Diary. …
- Move Your Body. …
- Take Thyroid Medication as Directed.
How can I speed up my metabolism with hypothyroidism?
Try these tips:
- Take thyroid hormone. …
- Rev up with exercise. …
- Avoid skipping meals and starvation diets. …
- Choose protein. …
- Stay hydrated. …
- See your doctor before starting any supplements. …
- Get enough shut-eye.
Why is it so hard to lose weight with hypothyroidism?
Why is it hard to lose weight with hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism can slow your metabolism and cause fatigue, so you don’t burn calories efficiently and you’re less able or motivated to exercise. This can make it harder to get rid of unwanted fat.
Can thyroid cause belly fat?
Weight gain
Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.
What are the symptoms of too much levothyroxine?
Symptoms of overdose
- Change in consciousness.
- cold, clammy skin.
- disorientation.
- fast or weak pulse.
- lightheadedness.
- sudden headache.
- sudden loss of coordination.
- sudden slurring of speech.
Is it better to take levothyroxine in the morning or at night?
Ideally, levothyroxine should be the only medication taken at bedtime. Just as with morning dosing, it is best to avoid co-administration with other medications such as statins, blood pressure drugs, and metformin.