If levothyroxine contains thyroid hormones and thyroid hormones control metabolism, shouldn’t taking levothyroxine help with weight loss? You would think so, but that’s not what happens in the real world.
Instead, we have studies and anecdotal experience that show that patients taking levothyroxine experience no positive benefits to their weight. And worse than this, some actually experience weight GAIN.
But how can this occur?
It has everything to do with the type of thyroid hormone found in levothyroxine and what that thyroid hormone means for the body. Levothyroxine and Synthroid contain the thyroid hormone T4, which is inactive by itself. It’s not until the body converts it into the active thyroid hormone T3 that it becomes usable.
In a perfect world, everyone would be able to convert this hormone readily but that’s not the world we live in.
Which is why studies show that people who take other more active thyroid hormones do experience the weight loss you’d expect to see from levothyroxine (but don’t).
This doesn’t mean levothyroxine is a bad medication, but it does mean that you shouldn’t rely on it to help with weight loss. But you can get where you need to be by using a combination of thyroid hormones including:
T4, T3, and T2.
Recommendations for each (which mimics the healthy production of the thyroid gland) include:
80-100 mcg of T4
5-20 mcg of T3
100-200 mcg of T2
This combination of thyroid hormones is much more powerful than just taking levothyroxine alone and can help you lose weight with minimal effort.
If this is the first time you’re hearing about T2 then make sure to check out this video next: https://youtu.be/2cL641utwn4?si=CigxA1lu4JHgO-eo
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- Supplements that everyone with hypothyroidism needs: https://bit.ly/3tekPej
- Supplement bundle to help reverse Hashimoto’s: https://bit.ly/3gSY9eJ
- Supplements for those without a thyroid and for those after RAI: https://bit.ly/3tb36nZ
- Supplements for active hyperthyroidism: https://bit.ly/3t70yHo
See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:
https://www.restartmed.com/shop/
Want more from my blog? I have more than 400+ well-researched blog posts on thyroid management, hormone balancing, weight loss, and more. See all blog posts here:
https://www.restartmed.com/blog/
Prefer to listen via podcast? Download all of my podcast episodes here: https://apple.co/3kNYTCS
Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: https://www.restartmed.com/what-happened-to-my-medical-license/
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through
