If you're like most adults "of a certain age", you're carrying around more than a few pounds than ideal for your height, frame and age. Approximately one third of adults (35.7%) are not only overweight but can are considered to be obese. Obesity is linked to diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancers.
For most adults, the pursuit of attaining and then maintaining ideal body weight represents a significant shift in their lifestyles. Many overweight adults flock to the products and services promoted by the $55 Billion a year weight loss industry. Despite the trips to the gym, trips to support groups, eating healthier and counting every last calorie some of us still are plagued by that extra weight that just won't go away.
For many individuals, the desire to lose weight goes beyond fitting into our favorite pair of jeans. Concerns about underlying health issues that may have caused us to gain weight takes us to our local GP. During the course of a routine examine and consulation, many of us learn we have an underactive thyroid that has contributed to our weight gain over the years.
The thyroid gland is the large endocrine gland found in our necks on either side of our Adam's apple. The thyroid gland controls how our bodies use energy, makes proteins and how sensitive our bodies are to other hormones. The thyroid secrets a number of hormonal substances which serve mostly to regulate our rate of metabolism. These hormones also effect the growth and rate of other functions within our body. Hormonal output from the thyroid is regulated by thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH which is produced in the anterior pituitary.
Hypothyroidism (and weight gain)occur with the underproduction of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Ageing, daily stress can contribute significantly to thyroid dysfunction. Roughly 8% of the adult population over the age of 50 exerience a loss in production of the vital regulating hormones. Without adequate levels of these regulatory hormones, our bodies simply cannot maintain healthy weights without hormonal support.
If your physician finds that your thyroid gland's function is not optimal, he or she may prescribe a drug to support and optimize its function. This drug, Levothyroxine or L-thyroxine is a synthetic form of the hormone, throxine, which is normally secreted by the thyroid gland.
Thyroxine was first isolated in its pure form by the Mayo Clinic in 1914. Synthesized in 1927, this drug has become a mainstay in the treament of hypothyroidism. L-thyroxine is entirely safe when taken under a doctor's supervision. L-thyroxine should only be taken in the amounts recommended by your doctor. Missed doses of this drug should be taken as close as possible to your regular dose. Under NO circumstances should you double dose if you've missed a pill.
Some individuals should not take l-thyroxine. Consult your physician if you have the any of the following conditions: osteoporosis, decreased calcification or bone density, or overactive thyroid gland. Individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with severe thyrotoxicosis, thyroid crisis, diabetes, pituary hormone deficiency, or Addison's Disease should not take l-thyroxine.
