Levothroid for Weight Loss

People throughout the world are fighting the battle of the bulge, and they are willing to try every fad diet and diet medication available, even if that is not their original purpose. Levothroid is one of those drugs that have been approved for one use, but are being used for weight loss despite the warnings and side effects.

Levothroid Overview

• Levothroid is a synthetic hormone used to help with hyperthyroidism and other thyroid disorders, including cancer, by increasing the metabolic rate of cells. It is used to replace the hormone created by the thyroid in order to maintain he balance needed in the body for several organs to function properly. Levothroid has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this use and no other. Talk with your doctor prior to starting any new medication.

  Side effects of Levothroid other than an overdose are generally rare, but can happen. The most common is temporary hair loss, but that should clear up. Then there is the risk of allergic reaction, and that is most commonly swelling of the face and extremities, rash, and difficulty breathing. You should talk with your doctor about any other medications you are on to make sure there will be no interactions.

Weight Loss and Levothroid

• Since the purpose of Levothroid is to increase the metabolic rate of cells, it will cause the same thing in the body. It will increase your metabolism, which will help you lose weight, but not enough to make it a proper weight loss drug. It should not be taken in conjunction with appetite suppressants or other weight loss drugs or supplements, as it may have some serious and life-threatening side effects.

  Levothroid comes in 12 different prescription strengths depending on the needs of the body. If a person who does not have a thyroid problem begins taking Levothroid, it can cause an overdose of the hormone. Symptoms of an overdose include abdominal cramps, chest pain, fever, flushing, hair loss, heart attack, irregular heartbeat and more. The drug should only be prescribed by a doctor. To take it when you do not need it could be deadly.