Could Levothyroxine Cause Weight Gain?

Posted on Wed, 20 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 Answered on

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I was put on Levothoroxine 50 m mcg this year and have gained about 38 ponds. I didnt' even weight that much when i was full term with my children. My stomach is so blothed that its very uncomfortable. No pain. I really am mostly a light eater and try to eat healthy. My doctoy retired this year so I had to wait 3 or 4 months to get her asociate to get an appointment. My appointment is still a month and a half away. Could it be the medicine? Its mostly above my belly button.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Some details required.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

No, levothyroxine would help you lose weight as it increases BMR.
First and the most important thing i would like to know from you is that at what time do you take levothyroxine every day. Do you take any thing (even water) one hour pre or post taking the medicine and what are the doses you are on.

Its a highly plasma bound drug and even taking half a cup of water within an hour of taking the medicine can reduce its effectiveness to almost zero. Therefore it is recommended to take it just with a small sip of water and to remain empty stomach for minimum 60 minutes.

Please answer.
Waiting.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj