First-line weight management methods include dietary and exercise changes, but your doctor may be able to prescribe an additional medication to support your goals.
However, being honest with your doctor about your history, needs, and side effects is vital. Weight loss medications can interfere with how your body absorbs thyroid hormone replacement. Depending on your situation, this may mean weight loss medication isn’t a good fit, or it may require an adjustment of your current medication dosing.
What Is Hypothyroidism and How Does It Affect Weight?
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. The condition often develops due to an autoimmune disorder, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which your immune system attacks your thyroid. Other causes include congenital anomalies, certain medications, and removal or radiation of the thyroid gland as part of the treatment for hyperthyroidism — an overactive thyroid gland.
When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, your metabolism, or the rate at which your body burns calories, slows down. Not only can this lead to weight gain, but you may also feel fatigued, weak, depressed, and more sensitive to cold.
How Does Levothyroxine (Synthroid) Work?
Do Doctors Prescribe Weight Loss Medications With Synthroid?
Depending on your medical history, including your current medications, a doctor might prescribe a drug to support healthy weight loss.
If your healthcare provider does prescribe a medication, it will be a piece of an overall weight loss plan, including adjusted physical activity and balanced diet suggestions. Below are a few common and potential options for medications that can support weight loss or maintenance.
Orlistat (Alli)
Metformin (Glucophage)
Metformin (Glucophage) is a type 2 diabetes medication that doctors prescribe for weight loss, along with additional treatment options like dietary changes.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Levothyroxine
Your small intestine makes a hormone called GLP-1. This hormone:
- Triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas
- Blocks the liver from secreting glucagon, the hormone used to increase blood sugar
- Slows digestion
- Increases the feeling of fullness after meals
- The newness of GLP-1 RAs: As a recent innovation, there’s ongoing conversation about the potential impact of GLP-1 RAs on thyroid function and medications like levothyroxine.
- The effect of body weight on levothyroxine dose: Your doctor will work out a levothyroxine dose based on your body weight. If your body weight significantly decreases on GLP-1 inhibitors, they may need to keep an eye on how much levothyroxine you take. It may mean that the levothyroxine dose you’re taking is too high.
- Changes in absorption: GLP-1 RAs may affect how your body absorbs levothyroxine, as they slow the rate at which your stomach empties.
If you take levothyroxine and a healthcare professional has also prescribed GLP-1 RAs, they may need to check your thyroid hormone levels more often and make sure your levothyroxine dose is right for you.
How to Lose Weight Safely While Taking Levothyroxine
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Daily exercise or movement
- An increase or a shift in physical activity: Depending on your ability level, this may include activities like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, cycling to work, or taking part in planned or structured exercise. Some hypothyroidism symptoms like fatigue, low mood, or muscle aches can make exercise more challenging, so start slowly and build up at your comfort level.
- Changes to your diet: Stick to foods that provide the right amount of calories for your weight, height, activity level, and medical status in a way that fills you up. Natural, whole foods that provide good servings of protein, fiber, healthy fats, complex carbs, and plant-based foods can support long-term weight loss.
- Getting enough sleep: Lack of sleep throws off your schedule, making it harder to stick to your meal and exercise plans. It can also affect levels of hormones that make you hungry, ghrelin and leptin. Getting enough sleep supports healthy bodily functions and improves your overall mood.
Your doctor may choose to start you on a short-term medication as a supplement to these changes. But if your healthcare professional doesn’t think the available medications are suitable, safe weight loss while on levothyroxine is still achievable.
Start by sharing your complete medical history with your physician, and stay in communication with them about any changes you notice.
The Takeaway
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid) often leads to improved metabolism and weight management if you have hypothyroidism, but extra measures like diet and physical activity changes or medications may help.
- Some weight loss medications, such as orlistat (Alli) and metformin (Glucophage), can interfere with levothyroxine absorption, which may necessitate dosage adjustments or additional thyroid monitoring.
- Incorporating lifestyle changes like increased physical activity, dietary adjustments, and effective stress management techniques can support weight loss and overall well-being while living with hypothyroidism.
- Always discuss with your doctor before starting or discontinuing any weight loss medication or treatment, particularly if you take levothyroxine, to minimize potential risks or interactions.