L-thyroxine, also known as levothyroxine, is a thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid, according to MayoClinic.com. Having an underactive thyroid can result in symptoms like a lack of energy and weight gain. L-thyroxine is only available with a doctor's prescription. Attempting to take L-thyroxine for weight loss if you have healthy thyroid function is ineffective, states MedlinePlus. Weight loss requires burning more calories than you eat daily. Taking L-thyroxine helps reverse the symptoms of hypothyroidism to speed up your metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Step 1
Use L-thyroxine according to your doctor's recommendations. Do not increase your dosage in an attempt to lose more weight. Take a missed dose as close as possible to your regular dose. Do not double a dose if you miss one.
Step 2
Take L-thyroxine on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Consume 30 minutes to an hour before eating. Take either four hours before or four hours after taking medicines like antacids, sucralfate, simethicone, iron supplements, orlistat, colestipol, cholestyramine and calcium supplements, states MayoClinic.com.
Step 3
Create a calorie deficit to encourage weight loss. Use a food journal or an online tool like LIVESTRONG's MyPlate to count your calories daily. Track your calories for a few days to see the average amount you consume. Subtract 500 calories from your average to lose about 1 pound per week.
Step 4
Eat a healthy diet. Cook your meals with unprocessed foods like whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice, lean meats, eggs, seafood, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and low-fat dairy like Greek yogurt. Consuming whole foods in their natural form helps you stay fuller longer with fewer calories per day.
Step 5
Train with resistance three days per week to increase metabolism and build muscle. Perform exercises like lunges, tricep dips, squats and push-ups for four sets of 15 repetitions. Challenge your muscles with heavy resistance so the last few repetitions of each set are difficult to complete.
Step 6
Do cardiovascular exercise for 30 minutes four to five days per week to burn fat. Go for a bike ride, walk on the treadmill, step on the stairmaster or take an aerobics class for variety. Change your cardio choices often to keep your body responding to the workout.
Member Comments