search results for cytomel

Will taking thyroid supplements help me lose weight?

Hypothyroidism slows the metabolic rate, which can lead to physical problems, including weight gain, fatigue, and dry skin. The condition can be corrected with thyroid supplements that include levothyroxine (brand names Synthroid and >Levoxyl) and liothyronine (>Cytomel). Normalizing the level of thyroid hormone should help treat the weight gain associated with hypothyroidism.

In some cases, weight gain may be due to a combination of hypothyroidism and lifestyle factors such as eating a calorie-rich diet or getting too little exercise. If you are overweight and need to take thyroid supplements, cut down on calories and exercise regularly.

While thyroid supplements can help overweight people who’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, they aren't appropriate for anyone with normal thyroid function. Taking thyroid medicines when they aren’t needed can lead to serious side effects, such as a rapid or irregular heart rate and osteoporosis (brittle bones). Maintain a healthy, low-calorie diet and exercise regularly to lose weight.

If you are concerned that you may have hypothyroidism, ask your doctor to perform blood tests to measure your thyroid hormone levels.

Sources:
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex, Inc., 2001.
Werner & Ingbar's The Thyroid. Lippincott-Raven Publishers, 1996.Hoogwerf, R. J. "Long-term Weight Regulation in Treated Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid Subjects." American Journal of Medicine 76 (1984).
Pears, J. "Long-term Weight Changes in Treated Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid Patients." Scott Medical Journal 35 (1990).
Krotkiewski, M. “Thyroid Hormones and Treatment of Obesity.” International Journal of Obesity Related Metabolic Disorders. 24 (2000).
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 2000.

This answer prepared 6/25/01.

You searched for "Cytomel"

Here's what we found

---

Please click a question below for your pharmacist's response.