Does Thyroid Medicines Cause Weight Gain?

Posted on Sun, 15 Nov 2015

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

Sun, 15 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 7 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello sir,, m suffering from hyperthyroid.. Tsh 0.09.. Doc advised me to take methimaz 30 mg, ciplar la40, thyrowel capsule.. I have doubt that these medicines increase my weight.. Please guide

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your weight will go up when hyperthyroidism is controlled

Detailed Answer:
Hi ,

Welcome to HCM. Thanks for posting the question.

In hyperthyroidism there will be weight loss as thyroid hormone will increase your body metabolism. Methimez will decrease the thyroid hormone production and bring down with metabolism. This will result in weight gain.

So your medication will result in weight gain, which is a positive sign that the medicine is working and thyroid hormone production is under control. The usual weight gain is equal to what you have lost due to hyperthyroidism.

Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further questions please feel free to ask.

Regards

Dr Ajish TP

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (12 hours later)

But I have not lost any weight due to hyperthyroid.. Even my thyroid is not under control since taking these medications.. Want to know how to lose weight.. One doctor has suggested me to take one medicine during fasting daily to control weight.. Is that OK?? Please advise name of such medicine

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See details

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back. I will help you with my suggestions for your two problems

1. Weight gain

The available solutions are:

A. Lifestyle modifications: dieting, regular aerobic exercise, Meditation, etc

if no improvement in 3 months

B. Medications

Currently approved medications are

i. Orlistat 60-120mg to be taken with food thrice daily

ii. Metformin 500-3000 mg daily if you are diabetic or prediabetic ( blood glucose borderline high)

iii. Liraglutide - daily injections 1.8 mg-3 mg. Available as victoza, if you are diabetic or prediabetic. Expensive option.

If not successful in 6 months

C. Bariatric surgery - a key hole surgery to reduce weight.

Probably the medicine that your doctor suggested is orlistat.

2. Hyperthyroidism

The usual treatment we give is medicines (methimez) for around 1 1/2 years. If not controlled, first we will increase the dose and see. If again there is no control, we have to opt for other treatments

a. Low dose radio iodine treatment or iodine therapy - single dose iodine can decrease the function of your thyroid

b. Surgery - the over active thyroid can be removed

Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (1 hour later)

If I take orlistat 120 mg for some time,, is there any other problem..

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Orlistat is safe

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Orlistat will decrease the absorption of fat from food. So even if you consume fatty food the absorption won't take place.

The main side effects of this medicine are gastric upset and oily stools as the UN absorbed fat is passed through motion. Other wise it is a safe medicine. So no issues in taking this medicine.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (5 minutes later)

Hello again,, I had gall bladder surgery 2 years ago dur to stones.. Tell me is there any problem without gall bladder

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No problem with that

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

No issues with that. You can continue the medications as advised.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar