I started this medication last fall for an underactive thyroid. Since then I've been packing on the pounds even while watching every bite I take and excercising regularly.
Has anyone experienced major weight gain after starting Levothyroxine?
Question posted by yorkgreeneyes on 18 March 2010
Last updated on 28 March 2024 by Jmgalinski
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
45 Answers
Jmgalinski
29 March 2024
Yes, I have gained almost 30 pounds since partial thyroidectomy and starting levothyroxine. I don't eat a lot and work out at least 3 days a week. Doctors aren't helpful. They just say eat less, exercise more, drink more water and that it's difficult to treat hypothyroidism. I even tried Ozempic for 10 weeks and didn't lose any weight at all. I don't feel like I look, and I want to wear a pin that says "I'm not fat because of food, I'm fat because I have a thyroid problem".
I wish doctors would be willing to try different medications to find a good option for each individual instead of the standard treatment plan.
Nypd18424
19 Sep 2023
I’m having the same problem, if my PCP cannot help, I’m going to visit an endocrinologist. I packed on 40 lbs.
Meds n medical
5 Sep 2019
Yes! Me too, at too rapid of a pace! I've only been on it a few months. All my pants are too small or too tight!
I can't stop this appetite!
I'm also breaking out in welts n hives. I'm not happy anymore etc.
Nirvana18
28 June 2019
The same thing happened to me. My gynecologist suggested that I take levothyroxine because my blood test shows that I have hypothyroidism and I wanted to get pregnant. I started gaining weight after taking levothyroxine. My weight was always stable and any occasional weight gain would go down after I cut back a little on the food.
I told my gynecologist about how levothyroxine is causing me to gain weight, have irregular periods, and even a low libido. Everything was normal before taking levothyroxine. She had me do blood work several times, but nothing ever got changed as far as medication.
I don't think levothyroxine is working the way it should. I've read in some other studies that they need to have certain combinations of thyroid medicine in order to work for some people. It's not a one size fit all.
Vip001
6 Jan 2019
I was on levothyroxine and gained 50 pounds. About 35 or that was in a couple months and I looked pregnant it was a weird kind of weight gain like padding all of a sudden. I have never weighed this much in my life even when I was pregnant. All the doctors I saw gp endo and naturopath who put me on this said that that wasn't possible. That was a year and a half ago. I switched to liothyronine which I was on before which made me kinda hyperthyroid.
I have not lost any of the weight . It is so embarrassing as people do not recognize me. I am not doing anything different. I don't eat very much and I eat healthy. I walk for exercise.
Has anyone else not been able to release this weight. I heard it was a reserve T3 reaction as my body was not able to convert T4 to T3. Although I am on straight T3 now and the weight is not budging. I hope this hasn't damaged my metabolism.
pink hippo
29 Dec 2018
I am working with a fertility doc to get pregnant. After first round of blood work and testing I was prescribed levothyroxine. The doc said my thyroid was within the normal range but a touch higher than ideal.
I started the pills on the 5th of the month. By the 23rd I had gained 8 lbs. I have weighed between 123 to 128 (about a 5 lbs range) for well over a decade. Gaining 8 lbs in less than three weeks freaked me out. My jeans were so tight they were digging into me when I sat down. I stopped the medication and told doc if I'm within the normal range, then I object to the prescription. I think the doc considers me "difficult" and I'm being transferred to a different doctor. Fine by me!!! I'm so glad I stopped taking this pill when I did.
AmyGc
9 April 2018
I started this medicine levothyroxine after being told I had a very very underactive thyroid. I had never even heard of any such thing before. So I been taking it for months now. Started on a low dose, then the dr took blood and said it was worse so she up the dose to 100mg now. She called me in a script without seeing her due to her knowing I needed it, but I have missed a few doses here and there. What's the deal with if u miss doses or stop taking it??? And I have also noticed I've gained a lot of wait but I don't eat great or exercise so I figured it was the reason for weight gain. But I've always ate the same and the last time I was this big is when I was pregnant 12 years ago. Also I have noticed, I was telling my husband how it's weird that the medicine was supposed to well male me feel better (right)??? Instead when I take it I feel tired all day and just wanna lay around ALL day. Grrrr I'm wondering if u stop it would it hurt me even more?
WildcatVet
9 April 2018
Most GP's are not really qualified to diagnose and treat diseases of the thyroid gland. I would request a referral to an endocrinologist.
Solved all my problems within a couple of months.
iamrosey2
9 April 2018
I was fine before i took levo..then gained a bunch of weight when on it. l have been off 3 mo and back to normal. Good luck
BF1964
7 Oct 2018
I was put on Levothyroxine on September 6th due to a rise in my TSH to 7.8 rather quickly I might add, considering on July 22 my TSH was 2.6. I had a colonoscopy/endoscopy done on August 21, immediately followed by bilateral iliac stents on August 24th, I was seen in the ER on September 1st because following both procedures I was unable to go to the bathroom due to constipation, saw my GP on September 6th, he prescribed 50 mcg of Levothyroxine. At the time of the appointment I weighed 153 lbs, which was way too much to begin with, my Dad had passed away, grief eating, FF to October 3rd, less than a month, I slept the entire day away and woke up completely swollen and puffy, went to the Urgent Care clinic and weighed in at 169, yes you read that right I had gained 16 lbs in less than a month.
My doctor wasn't in so I saw the PA, he and I both agreed the sudden increase in my TSH was probably due to the trauma of two procedures in one week and being put to sleep for both so he took me off the meds, here we are 3 days later, puffiness is gone, I'm finally using the bathroom like a normal person again, and weighed in this morning at 166, it's only 3 lbs, but that is a pound a day and I will take it. I could not understand any of this, I eat low carb walk over a mile a day, this medicine was deadly to me, I was so miserable. No bad side effects from stopping it so far, in fact only good ones. I no longer need to nap in the afternoon and I don't have that drugged out feeling and the scales are going down rather than up, will keep you posted, supposed to get another thyroid check on October 14th to see what it is...
cyutko
31 March 2018
I'm 57 and never had the symptoms of a low thyroid, but after numerous blood tests my doctor put me on Levothyrocin. In a year I gained 20 pounds and my stomach is really big. I have a double chin and look horrible. I'm not the healthiest eater, but my diet hasn't changed plus I get a lot of exercise. When I look at pictures of myself from a few years ago to now, I could cry. I feel like going off the Levothyrocin to see if I lose weight. Do I need to gradually stop taking it?
Avril666
27 Feb 2018
I'm on levothyroxine and have been on it 18 months and I've gained 45lbs and I'm only on 50. Been to my doctors today because of my weight gain and he's doing full bloods ethic and said if my thyroid is steady he will up.my does to 75 to help me lose weight. But from reading this I'm.not so sure now. I want to lose weight not gain it...
Inactive
16 Feb 2018
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 20 years ago by an endocrinologist. My dermatologist referred me to him because she saw that I had several symptoms, including hair loss, of hypothyroidism. I was started on synthroid. I had several bad side effects from it and asked to go on a compounded natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) medication. My dose was raised, and lowered, throughout the years. I went to a naturopath who tried me on the T3 protocol for Wilson's Syndrome, where it is supposed to clear up your hypothyroid state to where you don't need medication any longer, just natural thyroid supplements. It did not work for me. I was told it could be because I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is a very common cause for hypothyroidism.
I have been taking Nature-Throid, an NDT, which contains T4, T3, T1, and T2, which is supposed to make absorption more effective. It is similar to Armour-Thyroid, but the main difference being that Nature-Throid has hypoallergenic fillers, so to avoid problems for anyone who could have an allergic reaction to any of these medications.
In spite of all the different protocols I have been on to treat my hypothyroidism throughout the years, I continued to gain weight.
I even went to a naturopath who took me off all thyroid medication and put me on thyroid supplements alone. It still did not alleviate my problem with gaining weight.
At this point, I have come to the conclusion that, regardless of which medication regimen I am put on, or decide with my doctor or naturopath to get put on, the weight gain continues. This leads me to wonder this:
Maybe the weight gain is NOT CAUSED BY the medication, which ever one you are prescribed, or no medication if you choose to go that route, or natural supplements or natural desiccated thyroid hormones - at least in my case -
the WEIGHT GAIN continued.
I am beginning to believe that the fact that I am HYPOTHYROID is the cause of the weight gain. And once you become HYPOTHYROID, regardless of how you treat it, you are going to continue to gain weight, and not be successful in losing weight, at least in any great amounts. I was able to fluctuate 10 pounds here or there, but always gained it back, and sometimes more. I think WEIGHT GAIN is just an inevitable part of becoming a HYPOTHYROID person. It is an unforgiving disease, and I have to just accept it. The different medications might alleviate some of the suffering caused by having this condition, but I think weight gain is a permanent part of being HYPOTHYROID. :-(
Since there has been a problem recently with Nature-Throid being on back order, creating a shortage of being able to get a prescription filled for it, I tried cutting my existing pills in half to make them last longer. I just quit taking it for weeks, resulting in a puffy face and water retention among other things. I have a few Nature-Throid pills left, which I have started back on. My doctor left her practice, and I have just gotten an appt. with a new doctor. I will continue to take my remaining prescription until I see her in a few weeks.
I am not willing to put myself in the position of suffering any damage to my thyroid by stopping my medication in the meantime, without having a doctor involved in my health regimen.
Bottom line: My opinion, from my personal experience is -
hypothyroidism causes weight gain, REGARDLESS...
In spite of all the different protocols I have been on to treat my hypothyroidism throughout the years, I continued to gain weight.
I even went to a naturopath who took me off all thyroid medication and put me on thyroid supplements alone. It still did not alleviate my problem with gaining weight.
At this point, I have come to the conclusion that, regardless of which medication regimen I am put on, or decide with my doctor or naturopath to get put on, the weight gain continues. This leads me to wonder this:
Maybe the weight gain is NOT CAUSED BY the medication, which ever one you are prescribed, or no medication if you choose to go that route, or natural supplements or natural desiccated thyroid hormones - at least in my case -
the WEIGHT GAIN continued.
I am beginning to believe that the fact that I am HYPOTHYROID is the cause of the weight gain. And once you become HYPOTHYROID, regardless of how you treat it, you are going to continue to gain weight, and not be successful in losing weight, at least in any great amounts. I was able to fluctuate 10 pounds here or there, but always gained it back, and sometimes more. I think WEIGHT GAIN is just an inevitable part of becoming a HYPOTHYROID person. It is an unforgiving disease, and I have to just accept it. The different medications might alleviate some of the suffering caused by having this condition, but I think weight gain is a permanent part of being HYPOTHYROID. :-(
Since there has been a problem recently with Nature-Throid being on back order, creating a shortage of being able to get a prescription filled for it, I tried cutting my existing pills in half to make them last longer. I just quit taking it for weeks, resulting in a puffy face and water retention among other things. I have a few Nature-Throid pills left, which I have started back on. My doctor left her practice, and I have just gotten an appt. with a new doctor. I will continue to take my remaining prescription until I see her in a few weeks.
I am not willing to put myself in the position of suffering any damage to my thyroid by stopping my medication in the meantime, without having a doctor involved in my health regimen.
Bottom line: My opinion, from my personal experience is -
hypothyroidism causes weight gain, REGARDLESS...
iamrosey2
16 Feb 2018
I have been off levo for a bit over a month now..my puffiness went away almost immediately... also i have gone on the AIP diet to find my root cause..basically eliminating almost everything for a period of time to find out what triggers me... so far I feel great and less bloating everywhere... eating veggies, bone broth and organic meats..and thankfully miracle noodles ... I cheat occasionally but I am determined to find the root cause..so far so good ... no real weight loss yet but I feel better and thinner... I also gave up caffeine... it's not an easy thing to do but I will keep at it until I start feeling bad and think I must take something... honestly I never had symptoms. My doc just put me on this because of my TSH levels
Wyldlifewarrior
28 Feb 2018
I had never thought of this, but it’s a very interesting perspective. I posted that original question and in the years since then have not lost all of the weight in spite of being taken off all meds for it. I go back to the dr tomorrow and I’m going to ask for a blood work up to see what the current status of my thyroid is. In my case I was put on medication initially due to a result from blood work. In follow ups, my thyroid was “normal” and the doctor took me off the meds. It was my understanding that once you were diagnosed the medication was for the rest of your life. The normal reading was not due to the meds as I had taken myself off of them way before the next blood work to check my thyroid was done. So, with all of that being said, I’m still confused about having an under or over active thyroid and needing medication. Either way, whether my thyroid is functioning properly or not, I have not lost the weight I gained when I first started taking the levothyroxine.
LAYLANDSIMBA
16 Feb 2018
Same here, my weight went from 120lbs to 195 lbs in less than a year... despite excising and dieting, I do not eat junk food or fast food, only organic & healthy foods and drink lots of water , my Endo will not listen to me :( she just keeps uping my Synthroid dose ,I am now taking 125 mcg Synthroid started at 50mcg a year a go , yet I am still very tired,hair falling out in chunks and recently a craving for sweets that I am, fighting off and the weight is just piling on , Endo suggested taking 200mcg I SAID NO! I look like I am 8 months pregnant ,I have a huge belly ,my clothes do not fit anymore wearing a size 20W in pants and xxl tops ! I am beyond frustrated and mad, I am going to stop the Synthroid gradually and see what happens.
I still have ALL Hypothyroid symptoms despite being on 125mcg, something is not right, my blood tests show TSH 8.03 , she refuses to run T4 tests and I do not have the money to go to another Dr., so I have to stay where am at, where my Insurance covers it.
No matter the dosage, I am still gaining weight every day and being only 5'2 I am very short and now very wide and round that cant be very good for my heart or my body ,it is way too much weight,I am so afraid of having a massive heart attack, I am very obese due to taking Synthroid !
Inactive
16 Feb 2018
Hypothyroidism is caused by an underachieve thyroid. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid.
LAYLANDSIMBA
14 June 2018
I stopped the Synthroid and just started taking cannibis oil... Charlotte's Web I only been taking it for a week now, I feel good I am hoping to get this weight off I am now over 200lbs Drs didn't care about my weight just kept increasing my Synthroid to a higher mcg, and I have high cholesterol and non alcoholic fatty liver which I believe all of it came from taking Synthroid, I think is poison. Having Hypothyroidism is 1 thing but when you start to gain massive amounts of weight & , high cholesterol, fatty liver all from taking Synthroid,that makes sick to think
the pharmaceutical companies are filthy rich, its all chemically processed crap that makes up the Synthroid tablet. I eat healthy and clean for years excersise the best I can, no white bread, sugar no red meat,no junk or fried foods,eat lots of fresh fruit and veggies etc and I am only 5'3 and weigh way over 200 pounds, I have tried everything to get rid of this weight. Drs are NO help all they do is increase your Synthroid to a higher .I couldn't get my clothes on wearing a xxxL tops and pants size 24W I have never ever weighed this much my entire life, I am done! I am a walking heart attack, been on Synthroid over 10 years, I slowly decreased it then down to zero. I will see what CBD oil does for me. I can't continue like this, I hid in my house away from people, I ashamed of my body.
WildcatVet
27 Jan 2018
These boards are dangerous. Non-professionals shouldn't be advising other non-professionals how to take... or not take... or stop... any prescription medications. Opinions and personal experiences are fine, but leave the diagnosing and prescribing to the people who have spent years in medical school.
iamrosey2
27 Jan 2018
i gained a bunch of weight also..i'm getting off it now and see what happens
iamrosey2
27 Jan 2018
I went to the doc for just a check up..felt fine..never had any health issues..almost 60... I'm gonna watch and see if I can change my diet etc..my doc will still be giving me regular testing and if I feel tired I'll reevaluate with my doctor
Regret these meds
29 Jan 2018
Stopped December 2017 , severe negative food reactions, forced to cut out FLOUR completely. ( gluten if you prefer to call it ) Minimal sugar only. Pure protein helps! Swelling in legs , feet and face puffiness has come down! Feeling "awake".
iamrosey2
30 Jan 2018
Thanks for responding..I'm trying to see how others are doing off levo. I am sleeping much better and already feel and look thinner. Im eating tuna spinch and bone broth mostly... i hope to occasionally be able to eat other things but want to see how I do for a while. Its been 3 weeks since I stopped my 88 mcg... I had no symptoms when I was put on levo but I soon lost hair and gained lots of weight
Regret these meds
1 Feb 2018
I hope this works for you. I hope this works for everyone. Refuse to get back on.
Ismael Fernandez
23 Dec 2017
Yes I have. I work out almost every day and I eat ok most of the time and I've gained weight after starting this medication.
Kaylaelise2011
17 Aug 2017
I have been taking this medicine for 20 years and I'm tired of being over weight and fighting tooth and nail to lose weight. After reading comments, I am taking myself off and see what happens.
didan
17 Aug 2017
You should probably ween yourself off. Maybe take the dose every other day for a few weeks. Then once per week. Then stop.
iamrosey2
27 Jan 2018
how are you doing weening yourself off? I read someplace that it takes a while for thyroid to kick back into gear after relying on the meds
Related topics
underactive thyroid, thyroid disease, weight loss (obesity/overweight), levothyroxine, weight
Further information
- Levothyroxine uses and safety info
- Levothyroxine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Levothyroxine (detailed)
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