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
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 Page 2
Lilmanchi
7 Feb 2017
Doc prescribed levo due to slightly high tsh. I took for a month but I had to quit it because not only did I gain 20 lbs almost instantly, I would wake up in the middle of the night in a puddle of sweat. I'm 31 male, I was 255 athletic build but could've lose a few pounds. I work out heavy weights 1-2 times a weeks, crossfit 3 times a week, and mountain bike at least once a week. I'm super active person. I jumped to 275 almost instantly. I felt like I was holding a lot of water so I dropped my carbs (and levo) below 30 and instantly dropped 10 lbs. It's been 2 weeks since stopping and I can not lose anymore weight. I've been low carb and working out. My body use to in the past respond well to low carb. Not only that I am still sweating in my sleep. I've never sweat in my sleep ever before unless I was sick. Also I'm EXHAUSTED beyond belief. I'm lucky I don't have a normal 9-5. I am good for one crossfit workout then I have to take a nap.
One day I took 3 naps! I rarely ever take naps but since I've quit levo I have to take at least one a day. I'm beyond myself, I don't know what to do. I'm at my heaviest I've ever been in a long time. I'm afraid to drink a beer or eat a single carb as I'm afraid I'll blow up even more.
Lilmanchi
7 Feb 2017
Btw I was taking 50mcg everyday at the same time for month and half.
Wyldlifewarrior
8 Feb 2017
I quit taking my .025mcg almost a year ago and I'm exhausted all day every day and cannot lose the weight I gained. I was 120 to 125 for years and after taking that gained 30 pounds and I matter how little I eat and how much I exercise, it will not go away. Doctor says it's because I'm not taking it. I don't buy that. I think once you're at this point you need to go see an endocrinologist and not just your primary care doctor. That's what I'm going to do.
Lilmanchi
8 Feb 2017
I'm going to schedule an appointment with my doc and see if we can try a ndt medication. There are a lot of reviews/post I'm finding that Naturethyroid (spelling?) helps a lot of people that had negative reaction to the levo. Sad thing is you can't trust anything on the internet.
Wyldlifewarrior
9 Feb 2017
That's something I've not heard of, but it might be worth asking about!
Roxymarshall
17 March 2017
I was diagnosed with Graves' disease 10 years ago & finally did the radiation 2 years ago. I have been on Levo for 2 years. I was on 50, then 75 and as of 2 months ago 100. In the last year I gained 30 pounds, 8 pounds in the last 2 months. I asked my endocrinologist today at my appt of it could be the hormones & if I could try new ones, she told me no! She said I was always thin because of my hyper thyroid and now it's hypo & maybe I'm supposed to be a big girl & my body is just doing its thing!! I left there crying & with a prescription diet pill!! I won't be going back there! She never listens to me & wish I never did the radiation. I had a feeling maybe it was the levo but after reading all this I'm convinced! I wanted to try the Armour I believe it's called.
I read here a lot of people just go off their meds... is that safe? If my thyroid is dead from the radiation don't I need some sort of hormone? Or can I just take nothing? Does anyone know?
Lilmanchi
17 March 2017
I thought I would update you guys. I immediately after my post rescheduled my dr appt to a sooner date. I read that if people are not responding to levo and having adverse effects it is most likely due to t4 not converting to t3, but converting to RT3 which is not good. I believe that is my understanding. Anyway I told him what I read and he was hesitant. I quit the levo and told him I won't take it again. He told me from the beginning we would figure this out and he listened to me. Shocker right. I asked him about naturethroid as I had read people respond better to it as it has t4, t3, and t1 (??). Sorry I may not be 100% correct and need to re read some things but check this out. I took it first thing that day after my appointment. I was exhausted all day like I had been previously and I had the day off so I laid around. I kid you not I probably went to the bathroom 20 times. My beginning weight the night before was 276. That night I was 262.
I'm in the clear right? Not exactly. I've been taking NDT for a month, my tiredness, joint pain and overall feeling like crap subsided. I didn't even need to set an alarm I was waking up at 530 on my own and started going to crossfit hard. I overall feel 100% better however the weight has been bouncing from 263 and 269. I've been dieting hard on keto, crossfit 4 days a week strength training 2 days. I'm still having problems fitting into the clothes I have worn for past couple years. Now... as the experimenter that I am I had played around with vitamins and supplements. I noticed that when I take zinc and selenium right around my NDT my weight seems to drop but it varies and is up and down constantly. So what I'm thinking is since it has T4 in it that is still converting to RT3. When I supplement with zinc and selenium it helps to convert that T4 into T3 but it's not strong enough. I have another appointment next week. I want to see if maybe upping my dose of Nature Throid and maybe adding a T3 medication will help me lose the remainder weight gained. I also have been trying to avoid soy as much as possible. I am also looking to setting up better water system to remove flouride in my water and switching toothpaste. I've been strict on my low carb/no grain diet which has help inflammation greatly. I hope this helps some of you out. I've read that people have a hard time getting on a NDT through there doctor but be persistent and switch docs if need be. Levo is the devil for some. Check your diet, drink spring water, supplement with a GOOD multivatmin with iodine, zinc, magnesium and selenium. Good luck!
Lilmanchi
17 March 2017
Also want to note my overall well being and bring fog have disappeared. I wake up at 5 am and go strong to about 8 or 9. I sometimes feel lethargic at night but could be rigorous diet and training.
Lilmanchi
17 March 2017
*brain fog
Lilmanchi
17 March 2017
Also wanted to note I lost 10lbs after I stopped taking levo but it came right back. All sides were until I started nbt
didan
9 July 2017
How are you doing now Lilmanchi?
Wyldlifewarrior
12 Aug 2017
I totally quit taking mine. It's like that medication made some sort of permanent change in my system that makes me tired and unable to eat. Even after a couple of days with no food. Yes I really didn't eat for 2 or 3 days one time when I was sick. Made zero difference. Scale didn't budge. Funny thing is every time dr does blood work it all comes back normal. I wonder if I ever really needed it. I have a neighbor that says if you really want the info on a functioning or no functioning thyroid you need to go to an endocrinologist. That's why she does. They go much more in depth with blood work and results so it's all really scrutinized. She's not overweight and is never tired so maybe that's next!
Regret these meds
19 Nov 2017
Wyldlife warrior , what's the status ?
Wyldlifewarrior
1 Feb 2018
Update-I am still not taking any Levothyroxine and I’ve had blood work done on a regular basis. I’ve not been told anything is off as far as levels go. As far as weight loss, I did lose about 20 pounds of what I had gained. Had a back issue flare up and I’ve not been able to exercise as much as I’d like to. It’s only now starting to get better and I’m hoping to be able to start walking again soon. I do eat healthy and I’ve noticed a loss in inches as I can tell by the way my clothes fit. I’m hoping the weight loss soon shows up like the inches have started to do. I continue to see my primary care doctor for mundane things; colds and minor illnesses like that. If there’s something more specific wrong, I go to a doctor that specializes more in that area. I like my doc, but have been given a “bandaide” one too many times as a solution rather than finding out the problem and actually trying to fix it.
A good example is my back. Had to see his nurse practitioner as he was out of town. She recommended physical therapy without even looking at the area that was sore or manipulating the leg that was being affected. Her conclusion was a sciatic nerve. I know that physical therapy can be very beneficial, but I also know it can be detrimental if done on something without first knowing the cause of any pain being experienced. A good “bandaid” example. Needless to say, not going to PT until I meet with the doctor later this month. I want to know what’s wrong first so that I can start to work on a permanent solution. As far as levothyroxine goes, I’m still convinced it was the catalyst for a number of things that became issues once I started taking it. I feel like some of those things are going to be with me forever now. The fatigue is still there and a couple of other things, although not as intense as before. If for some reason in the future I’m told I need it again, I will consult with an endocrinologist before I do anything. There are other options out there and I’m not willing to blindly take Levo again.
LindaSalatelis17
26 Jan 2017
I have gained a lot of weight, my Doctor put me up to a 100 mcg of Levothyroxine from 50 and all of a sudden in 3 months I gain 30 lb. and feel like I am bloated all the time. I am going to cut myself back to 50 mcg and see what happens. I asked the doctor is there anything nature I can do? He said No... Cazy... I am so tired and feeling fat...
Applesforfrluit900
13 Jan 2017
Yes, I have experienced serious weight gain from taking levothyroxine. My doctors keep suggesting that I lose weight, but how can I when my diet has not changed in over 15 yrs. I went from a 130 to 174lbs. I stopped taking the levothyroxine, because I became very angry when it gave me an elevated liver as well.
Sophia048
24 March 2017
what happened after you stop taking the meds! I would like to come off of this so bad but I am so scared of my levels going crazy.
Clevi77777
11 Jan 2017
Everyones body is different. Each body reacts to foods, meds, air, pollens in its own way. Ladies and gentlemen, I am relieved to read the answers as levothyroxine is clearly a problem. I have the similar weight gain - over 50 pounds over 4 years. My friends say to me - "we will tell you what the weight gain is NOT - that is food. You eat very healthy, do not even eat a dessert, and still you cannot lose". I am in the gym doing weights and cardio 5 times a week. I play polo for petes sake. My friends say it is like I am playing football with a football team. It is beneficial to read medical studies from top unversities medical colleges and research and reports. But drugs are a high dollar business. So there is not going to be alot of negative talk about the prescription and side effects . I have a stomach that will NOT go away. I do 150 crunches every gym pratice with 70 pound weights on.
That stomach is still sticking out like I am pregnant and not reducing. I wear neoprene shorts and bands around my waist to sweat when I work out, am on the horses and walk and it STILL does not reduce in any way. I have even thought about taking illegal drugs to lose the weight - a really bad option. Instead I am done with the prescription drugs. I would rather be tired and have some down days than the weight. I have excessive weight on small ankles now and have sprain my ankles badly twice with the weight contributing difficulties in 2 years. The weight stress on the knees is also a factor causing problems. The drug is so not worth it.
Wyldlifewarrior
11 Jan 2017
I agreee. Pharmaceuticals is a money making business. Doctors are going to downplay any negative side effects as patients will be reluctant to take something that is going to cause weight gain etc. and if you don't ask, they don't tell you. If their patients don't want the meds pharmaceutical companies are selling, money is lost and that is more of an issue than any patient side effect. Just my opinion but I've found it to be proven accurate on more than one occasion.
IsaRobyn
14 Dec 2016
I was relieved to find this post after starting Levothyroxine and experiencing weight gain. Six months ago, I went for my annual routine checkup (I am 61). I felt absolutely great and my weight was perfect. For the last two years, I've been doing a wonderful nutrition program; and I had lost 3 jean sizes; cholesterol went down; felt so much energy; and even slept better! But at this routine checkup, I had blood work done and my physician said my thyroid levels required me to start taking Levothyroxine. Important to note: 25 years ago, I had Graves Disease and was treated with radioactive iodine; I had just enough thryoid tissue left that I was never on any medication all these years. So I did as the doctor ordered and started on Levo. That is the only change; my eating habits are the same and yet, I have gained 10 pounds in six months. I went back to her two weeks ago and she said Levo doesn't cause you to gain weight.
But now I'm finding all the posts to the contrary! She is giving me 6 weeks to stay off of Levo and only do my nutrition program and then will retest my thyroid levels in January. I feel great being off of it and hoping to lose the 10 pounds just following the same nutrition program. If it turns out I must go back on something for my thryoid, I plan to ask about Armour.
kirilajr
14 Dec 2016
IsaRobyn: One of my other health care providers was saying a lot of doctors are against Armour. I'm planning on insisting on it when I finally see a different doctor if that doctor really wants me back on medication. I went off of the Levo too. I've felt some tiredness, but that could be other things too. My appetite has evened out and the weight fluctuations are getting so much better already! I haven't had more blood work yet, but we'll see how it goes. Good luck to you on being off of medication, or if you get on the Armour.
JGunderson
15 Dec 2016
I am SO glad that I found this site! Don't know why I never thought of this before now. Heck, when you have a doctor who insists that the meds don't make you gain weight, you tend to trust them. Well, not any more.
Had surgery for thyroid cancer in 2010. Had thyroid completely removed. Doctor started me ont Synthroid but it was so stupid expensive so he switched me to Levo. Been taking that for several years now and went from 160 to 254 over that time period. I take other medications, but those doctors have insisted that what I'm taking does not cause weight gain.
Spoke with a coworker who happened to have done what I'd had done just a few years ago. He said that he had been on Levo for a while too and couldn't figure out why he was gaining weight. Turns out to be the Levo.
I go to see my doctor next Friday. I've printed out pertinent information on this website concerning this issue and will be speaking with him about it at that time. There's got to be something else out there that will work as effectively as Levo without this side effect. This is something that I HAVE to take the rest of my life!! I'm NOT going to live the rest of my life with this weight gain!!
Wyldlifewarrior
30 Dec 2016
I've been told that if you are experiencing any issues at all with your thyroid that you should go see an endocrinologist rather than just your primary care doctor. They go much more in depth with your blood work results and sometimes you don't actually need to be in medication. Have a neighbor who went through a lot of bad things before going to an endocrinologist and now she is doing fine.
JGunderson
30 Dec 2016
After visiting with my endo last Friday, December 23, 2016, he said that yes, Levo can cause weight gain if med is too low a dose. Had blood drawn same day. Received the results back Tuesday. My level is right where it needs to be. So, having spoken with someone else, they said that they had to eat by trial and error. Some can't eat grains. Some carbs or starches.
My endo offered Armour, however he said it is risky. He didn't say why. In looking it up online, one of the side effects is irregular heart rate. I've already gone through that with another medication I had been taking. The cardiologist suggested I NOT take that medication.
Guess I'm staying with Levo for now and just trying to change my eating habits... again.
kirilajr
14 Nov 2016
I'm so glad I found this forum. I've been panicking over the increase in weight (and how quickly it's coming on) for the past month or two. I've been on levothyroxine for quite some time with no serious problems, although I have had an increase in weight over that entire time - probably not enough to be worried about since the increase was over several years and I still felt like my very fast metabolism was doing ok. THEN... my doctor increased the levothyroxine to .112 mg and then up again to .125 mg when I got a TSH reading of 8.9 (he only checked TSH) - and I piled on 10 pounds in about 6 weeks! My stomach sticks out, and even though I'm still small by any standard, this is completely freaking me out because it seems like I'm hungry all the time and feel miserable about how I look, and there's more weight gain every time I get weighed. This also isn't the best situation for me psychologically.
I've had serious issues in the past with an eating disorder and consequently doctors know to keep me away from drugs that are generally considered "weight gainers". My doctor assures me this one isn't, but this increase has been the only change. I'm NOT eating more that I was previously - if anything, I'm eating less (which isn't good, actually). It's like my body is holding onto everything instead of burning it - I've lost my road runner metabolism. My doctor says this is just aging since I turned 41 this past summer, but there was no sign of this - it seems really doubtful tthat someone would have a metabolism that hums along fine and then skids to an abrupt stop the second they turn 41. I want to be off this medication BADLY. Has anyone had long term success coming off of it? What have you done to manage your thyroid condition instead?
LAHs
18 April 2017
kirilajr, if you come across a doctor who is "... against Armour... ", get another doctor! Those who do not understand the difference between synthetic T4 only (levothyroxine, levoxyl and the like) and Armour are undereducated medics. Levo. will work for a certain percentage of the patient population (and I wish could get at that percentage), I think it is less than 50% but a lot of people cannot make their own T3 and many doctors do not understand the role of free T3 nor what enzymes are required to create it - and what other medications will stymy any efforts to support your health with an under functioning (or even absent) thyroid.
Basically once your thyroid begins to fail it is DIY for medication! You can manage this if you take about 6 months and read everything you can on the endocrine system, it's not simple but your life will depend upon your knowledge. Most medics have had about one semester on the endocrine system (then they call themselves specialists) and don't forget that diabetes is about half of that - that's easier and can award you a pass for that semester.
And one final note. One of the most important factors in managing a mal-functioning thyroid situation is HOW DO YOU FEEL! If you feel lousy, try a different brand of medication or alter your dose of the one you are on. Find out your Free T3, Selenium, Ferritin, Vit D, B12 and TSH levels, these are the basics, measure these before you change anything and then about a month after you have made a change. If your doctor says that these do not matter, get them done privately, there are a couple of private labs in the US, I have found True Health Labs excellent. These labs often have a doctor who can interpret your results.
I have no thyroid, I had Thyoid cancer 13 years ago. I detected lapses in logic from my endocrinologist and a lack of understanding in her scientific method, I realized that my life was in danger, so I was on my own as far a dose and type of medication went. I changed to NDT and pretty much self medicate at this point. I am perfectly fit now, I see my (new) Endo about once a year to get my prescription and keep up my studying on this subject.
lsouza64
20 June 2017
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's three years ago, put on generic of Synthroid (50mg), then switched Endo's and was put on Synthroid (100mg) due to side effects. Gained 20 lbs. I have been a very active single parent, running and weight lifting six days a week. Wondering what NDT is?
Muso69
2 Oct 2016
My hypothyroidism developed during pregnancy and I was over 100kg! I was unaware of my condition and tried everything to lose all my sudden weight gain(17 years ate old and heaps of junk food w cravings)All my life I had a good body.
ANYWAY. .my neck was huge. .but I ignored it. .til Dr decided to take blood(I was there fur my bad back and had never seen her before and she just looked at me and said"you just don't look right to me" I kept ignoring her concerns and just to shut her up when she said"look I just have to take some blood from you" I just said(sigh whatever..remember I was just a kid)
Anyway. .results came back and Dr was telling me that I had under active thyroid???
I had no clue what a thyroid was let alone how much it effects yr entire body. .moods .EVERYTHNG. So... The Dr kept hassling me calling for me to pick up the script. ..I just ignored her. ..she wouldn't give up and just like the previous calls I would just say"yeah yeah ill pick it up". ..and never would. .. Then obviously she realized that I was giving her the flick yet again-she blurts out"Joanne!!! If you don't get this medication YOU'LL GROW TO BE THE SIZE OF A HOUSE!!! I was like "WHAAAT THE... " And got straight in my car as fast as possible to get there and exclaimed"GIVE ME THAT SCRIPT NOW OH MY GOSH!!" so excited and confused. ..
After I started taking them no joke the wight literally FELL OFF my body SO FAST!!
I'm now 47 and still have to take it daily. .
Yes sometimes I take two instead of one. .200mg each. .and I'm under 60kgs very athletic body and had a few things done to my beasts and tummy to now have a rocking body that still turn heads ... :)
I was then a dancer working in strip clubs. ..so my body was beautiful ..
As for your question about weight GAIN!!
Not normal at all!!
Obviously see ye Dr and get the correct diagnosis. DO YOU suffer from this illness or do you take them to try to lose weight??
If it's the latter ..you will end up no doubt getting an under active thyroid ...
I need more information. .
I hope this helps ..good luck!
Get back to me.
Maybe you are OVER active .Do you get tired... lethargic?
I think Def you are not on the right pills for you.
Consult a few Dr's ..compare notes .. :)
Wyldlifewarrior
6 Oct 2016
I have to take for medical reasons. I don't know if it's hypo or hyper but I take levothyroxine and its 25mcg. I don't know if that's a big or small dose. I think smaller because it's microgram instead of milligram. I'm supposed to take one a day. I've been taking it but haven't noticed any weight loss. I go back in a little over a month and he's going to do blood work to see what my thyroid level are.
ngasco
29 Aug 2016
I have had the same experience--never had weight issues my entire life and since taking this drug (am on NO others), my stomach just keeps growing and I am losing hair. I can't wear my clothes any longer (I used to fit into all my old clothes from the 90s) and it is depressing. And to those who claim it is just the thyroid levels or age, my endocrinologist says my levels are perfect, right where they should be and my hormone levels are fine (ie, not menopausal). I am eating well and exercising at least 30 mins a day, walking about an hour a day, and nothing! For those also suffering, I assure you that these side effects are very very real. Read your drugs labels because the MDs surely don't and will dismiss any concerns you express re side effects because they think a drug on the market means it must be safe. I am wanting to find another answer to get off this drug before I develop diabetes from weight gain... don't need any more health issues.
dml217
28 Sep 2016
OMG!! I have been suffering so much the past 16 years or so. I hate to even leave the house and spend a lot of my time hiding. When I was a young girl, I struggled with weight and I lost a good amount of it and held my own. At some point I went to an endo who started me on Levo - what happened over those years? I got fatter and fatter and fatter. I am at the point where I do not even want to leave my house - I haven't worked in a few years. I am so deeply ashamed. I began to think about what was going on in my life, what caused me to gain weight and going back over my history, I realized that I started gaining weight when I started taking the thryroid meds. So I Googled which brought me here... I have felt so alone, blaming my genetics, my mind, my thinking, all these things... what if it really is the medication? Who has gone off them totally? Anyone? I would like to stop asap... WTF?
Wyldlifewarrior
30 Dec 2016
I was having those same issues and took myself off of the medication. At the next dr visit, he told me the reason I was gaining weight and losing hair was because I had stopped taking it, but I quit taking it because all of those things started happening so I'm still at a loss. All I know is that I've gained weight and no other meds I take would cause that. It seems to start when I started taking it and didn't go away when I quit taking it.
iamrosey2
28 Feb 2018
Hi how are u doing now.?
erincunningham
18 Aug 2016
I'm not writing to anyone in particular but I read that some of the people posting will say they are exercising a lot, some ppl 6 days a week, doing cardio and strength training; stuff like that. I don't know how anybody with hyporthyroidism would have the
strength to do "any" exercising. Unless
some ppl get fatigue worse than
others but I do know most people are
intolerant to physical activity.
I have experienced fatigue that has
been so bad that I can no longer hold a
part time job or even do simple chores
around the house. If I had the strength
to exercise that many days a week or
even part of that, I wouldn't even care
about the levothyroxine; especially if it
was making my weight worse. But
anyway, I have been on Levo for only
2 weeks, just 25 mg. But I must say I've been scared the whole time taking
it cause when I read all the side effects
on the pamplet, and i was already having all the side effects (as symptoms) before I even started this medicine! What does that mean??
LAHs
27 July 2016
No amount of diet and exercise will reduce the weight gained from under or badly medicated thyroid decease. This is because the weight is not fat it is "mucin" and this can only be removed by plenty of available T3. If you are experiencing weight gain on Levo alone you may be on too low a dose or you are not converting your T4 to T3 - T4 is mainly just a storage hormone, needed to generate T3. If you have a doc or Endo who doesn't understand this (and they usually don't) then switch to NDT e.g. Armour, although there are others. With NDT you will get T4, T3, T2, T1 and calciton so your chances of gaining weight are minimized. Take NDT until you feel well (but watch your BP, pulse rate and basal temperature).
In addition to this you should research this subject as much as you can because most doctors and Endocrinologists are very ignorant on this subject, this is because it is only taught according to big pharma profits at medical school (i.e. get 'em on synthetic Levo asap). Start by reading a book or accessing the web site called "Stop the thyroid madness". There is an energetic vocal movement going on regarding badly managed thyroid decease, probably because it is mainly suffered by women. Become an empowered patient by reading as much as you can.
NawTqT
27 July 2016
Wow... sounds like you know your stuff and I do appreciate your input very much. I will do as suggested and start reading as much as I can because I'm only getting heavier as time passes with no end in site. I actually feel "bloated" most of the time and can't even tie my own shoes any more. My dress size keeps going up and up and what I eat is getting less and less. That can't be good. I will have a discussion with my endocrinologist, but I have a feeling I am going to have to find one who will listen and take what I have to say into consideration, now that I have something to go on. Again, thank you and God Bless.
NawTqT
27 July 2016
In 2003 I had an overactive thyroid and lost 50 pounds within a few months. I looked great and felt wonderful. But, in 2011 I was dx with hypothyroidism and told I had a goiter and bulging eyes. I did not have a goiter and I've always had "big" eyes, not bulging ones. Although I felt the diagnosis was wrong, I was given radioactive iodine and placed on levothyroxine. Almost immediately I could see changes in my face (getting puffy looking) and my neck. My hands and feet began swelling. In just a matter of a few months (3 or 4) my weight jumped from 127 pounds to a whopping 200! I was watching everything I ate, counting calories, avoiding fatty or fried foods, etc., but my weight kept climbing. Dieting does not work for me any more no matter how hard I try, but my doctors do not seem to be very concerned and seem to think "watch what you eat and reduce the proportions" is going to fix it, but it does not.
I continue to gain and I know at my age (68) all this weight cannot be doing me any good. I am on 137 mcg's of levothyroxine and the doctor says he cannot adjust it any further. I would think that the doctor would really be concerned about all this weight gain and help me come up with a solution to remedy it. I am totally miserable and look like a blimp, not to mention all the health issues from the weight gain.
Andreagomez80
20 July 2016
I am so glad to find this forum! I was put on levothyroxine last december when I got pregnant, I lost the baby due to a fatal genetical defect, but stayed on the meds as I want to try to get pregnant again prob by the end of the year. However, I am packing on the pounds and I am so demoralized!!! eating 1,200 calories a day, exercising regularly including cycling, weight lifting, and HITT, and have been gaining 1 pound steadily. Started at 134 and now up to 140.
I am scared of the consequences related to hypothyroidism and pregnancy. Are there any alternatives to this drug? My thyroid levels were just borderline low and I am on 0.5 mg
Thanks!
ocnfused
26 May 2016
Does Levothyroxine Cause Weight Gain? I have gained 80 lbs. I would say yes!
Adore01me
11 June 2016
Over the past few years I have gain over 40 pounds, as with most of you I watch what I eat and exercise often. I'm taking 112 mg per day after having both of my thyroid glands removed. If i stop taking the medicine if feel tried, sluggish. Recently I went on the HCG elite diet of less than 500 calories from protein and 31 grams of carbs (veg only) . I still did not loose the weight. I'm not looking into what my options are.
ocnfused
30 Aug 2016
I've gained 95 lbs and tried every weight loss programs..Tell me the secret f you find it.
Maysmom
16 April 2016
I have taken this drug for approx 3 weeks and now look pregnant! I am so glad for the people that posted their experiences and based on those experiences I am throwing out this medication!! I am a healthy eater and I never looked like this before in my life! I just came back from a clothing store where I was in the dressing room looking at myself in a mirror and wanted to cry. It must be from the meds because I am always careful about what I eat. This medication is not for me!!! Hopefully will get back down to a normal weight soon. I should have known better but the doctor kept saying it's such a low dose. BS!!
Genetics101
13 April 2016
I know I'm late to the party, however I wanted to chime in because I too am looking for answers. I myself am a physical therapist assistant & my wife is a pharmacist.
I'll start in 2015, I competed as a figure NPC model, physique class. I weighed 170lbs at 5'10". My body fat pre contest was always 8%. Competition hits 4-5%. My cardio sessions in the morning, either High intensity or jogging, I aternate to keep the body guessing every morning. The sessions last 30-45 minutes. I also weight lift 6 days a week taking off on Sunday only. I have the same food every day, 1500-2000 calories. I've never been a big eater, so my dreams of bodybuilding a massive 300lbs physique are not in my cards. I spread my meals out every 3-4 hours. I only take carbs in after my weight training sessions. 50-60grams in my recovery shake depending on the intensity. I only drink water. I don't use caffeine or any drugs/alcohol.
I was sending my physique pics to magazines to try and get a sponsor for two years. I only elaborate because I was in amazing condition. I rivaled any top physique athlete and won a few competitions.
I had some routine bloodwork done, and my thyroid came back hypo. Not drastically, but enough to warrant my doctor to put me on Levo. I was excited, because I thought wow I can lose even more fat and get even more lean and really make something happen on stage. Anyone ever been 5% body fat holding 170lbs of muscle knows every percent of Body fat you loose is weeks of consistency. I rocked a 30" pant and had to wear a belt because it was too big. Every muscle in my body stood out like a race horse. Vascular, hard, lean. So proud of my accomplishment...
So I started the Levo, small dose... After 1 week I noticed all I wanted to do was eat. And eat. And eat. So the first week or two I was eating horrible food, not a lot, but a doughnut once or twice a week. But I quit when he scale hit 175. 5 pounds and I freaked...
Fast forward 4 months, I finally went to the Doc, I have been flawless on my diet, it's at 2000 calories, I hit the cardio for 45 in the AM and the weights in the PM for 1.5hrs. Over 2 hours a day in the gym. Every day, Sunday's just cardio. I weighed 203lbs and had a body fat read of 17.6%...
The only thing that has changed in 4 months is Levothyroxine. I have gained 33lbs, 10% increase of body fat. My joints hurt. Running hurts daily. I would love to blame it on something else. Trust me.
My wife the pharmacist swears that goes against the purpose of levo thyroxine, and I told her big pharma butt to chill because as of today I'm done taking these pills that 1 million % caused my weight gain. I would have had to eat 5600 calories a day to accomplish that feat. My anxiety has always been way to bad to eat more than 2500 cals. 33lbs of fat? I now wear 36" pants!!! Im embarrassed. Ashamed. I am depressed. I don't leave my house unless I'm fully cloaked from head to toe. Sick to my stomach.
I tried fasting for 4 days and didn't lose an ounce. I'm resorting to all kinds of unhealthy measures and am at a loss for words. It's put a strain on my social life I stopped speaking to everyone because I'm that embarrassed. So much so I've never been a member of a "forum" and now I am because I'm at a loss. I'm 31, at 30 I was 7% body fat, 31 I'm 17%. That's not healthy.
swanee2009
16 April 2016
I feel your pain, I stopped taking my meds and feel fine. I felt bloated and couldn't fit in my clothes. I now fit in my old clothes and I will not go back on LEVO.
Wyldlifewarrior
2 Aug 2016
swanee2009. How long did it take to lose the weight you gained. In the same boat & have narrowed it down to this medication. Gained 36 pounds almost immediately after starting it. I've read where ithers go off if it and don't lose the weight. Thank you!
WGain123
29 Dec 2016
After you stopped taking the medication didn't you go back to feeling lethargic? Great choices.. fat or asleep. : (
Regret these meds
1 Feb 2018
What's your status ? It's been years . Are you okay ? I stopped taking mine December 2016.
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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