The Levothyroxine Weight Gain Connection

Does Levothyroxine cause weight gain? That is the question I am going to answer in this video today. Here is a common problem: patients with hypothyroidism present to their doctor, get put on T4 medication like Levothyroxine or Synthroid and they CONTINUE to gain weight - despite no change in their diet or exercise routine.

How can this be?

In this video, I answer what I think is going on in many patients and it has to do with T4 to reverse T3 conversion when certain patients are given medications that contain T4 only.

In the setting of inflammation, trauma, infections, liver/kidney issues, low-calorie diets, and nutrient deficiencies the body can take T4 and convert it into the thyroid blocking metabolite reverse T3. High levels of reverse T3 then compete for binding at the T3 cellular receptor site and put the brakes on thyroid and metabolic function.

So how do you treat this condition?

Most patients will need medication containing T3 like natural desiccated thyroid or liothyronine/Cytomel to "flush" the system.

I also give several tips that I use in my office to help boost thyroid function if your doctor isn't willing to give you medication with T3 in it:

1. Optimize T4 to T3 conversion - I recommend the combination of zinc plus selenium.

2. Fix your adrenals - Consider using adrenal adaptogens or adrenal glandulars both of which can enhance cortisol and improve your stress response.

3. Add high-intensity exercise - To help lower insulin and leptin levels.

4. Reduce inflammation and find hidden sources of inflammation - the easiest first place to look is at your diet.

5. Lower leptin and insulin levels - It will be impossible to lose weight with leptin resistance and/or insulin resistance and both conditions reduce T4 to T3 conversion.

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If you are interested in having Dr. Childs evaluate your labs you can find more information here:
https://www.restartmed.com/lab-testing/

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
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See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:
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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-happe...

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 this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's