Using Thyroid Hormones for Weight Loss

Copyright © 2007 DBA AdPro Media Sales, All Rights ReservedWritten by: Kamau Austin

Many women who are concerned about their weight often seek outsimple solutions for achieving their weight loss goals. However,unfortunately there are no simple solutions to weight loss. Infact the Food and Drug Administration strongly cautions women tobe suspicious of weight loss aids making outrageous claims bystating, "It is important for consumers to be wary of claims thatsound too good to be true. When it comes to weight-loss schemes,consumers should be particularly skeptical of claims containingwords and phrases like: easy, effortless, guaranteed, miraculous,magical, breakthrough, new discovery, mysterious, exotic, secret,exclusive, ancient." Similarly women should be aware of anyunbelievable claims made by manufacturers of thyroid hormones forthe purpose of weight loss.

The Theory behind Using Thyroid Hormones for Weight Loss

The thyroid hormone is closely associated with metabolism.Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid produces anexcess of the thyroid hormone. This excess amount of hormone hasthe result of increasing the metabolism and may result in weightloss. Conversely hypothyroidism is a condition in which thethyroid is under active and produces a deficient amount of thethyroid hormone. Modest weight gain of 5-10 pounds may occur inthis hormonal state.

It is the condition of hyperthyroidism which is of the mostinterest to women who are interested in losing weight through theuse of thyroid hormone. There have been several studies whichindicated the use of the thyroid hormone resulted in more weightloss than when the hormone was not used. In general more severecases of hyperthyroidism result in greater amounts of weightloss.

The Risks of Using Thyroid Hormones for Weight Loss

While studies have indicated the use of thyroid hormone in aweight loss program resulted in greater weight loss than inprograms which did not use the benefit of the thyroid hormone, itis important to note there are some risks associated with the useof thyroid hormone to lose weight. Specifically the AmericanThyroid Association describes these associated risks by stating,"However, once the excess thyroid hormone is stopped, the excessweight loss is usually regained. Furthermore, there may besignificant negative consequences from the use of thyroid hormoneto help with weight loss, such as the loss of muscle protein inaddition to any loss of body fat. Pushing the thyroid hormonedose to cause thyroid hormone levels to be elevated is unlikelyto significantly change weight and may result in other metabolicproblems."

If you wish to investigate the use of thyroid hormones to assistyou in achieving your weight loss goals, you should carefullyconsider the risks of these hormones. The use of synthetichormones is certainly justifiable in the case of a legitimatehormonal excess or deficiency but when used specifically for thepurposes of weight loss care should be taken to avoid creatingadditional medical problems. Also, it should be noted that it ispossible to quickly regain the weight once the use of the hormoneis stopped. A condition of hyperthyroidism creates a need foradditional calories. Women who become used to eating toaccommodate this condition may have a difficult time scaling backtheir eating habits once they are no longer using the thyroidhormone.

Using Thyroid Hormones under a Doctor's Care

In any weight loss endeavor you undertake, you should always seekout the assistance and guidance of your doctor. This is importantfor a number of reasons. First of all you should always consultyour doctor when you are attempting to lose weight to ensure youare healthy enough to begin exercising and to make changes toyour diet or begin taking supplements. Additionally, your doctorcan discuss the use of supplements with you and provide a greatdeal of insight into the benefits and risk involved with takingthese supplements.

Herbal Supplements Containing Thyroid Hormones

Thyvox is just one of many herbal supplements which are marketedfor the purpose of producing weight loss through the use of thethyroid hormone. More information on Thyvox can be found at thefollowing web address: http://www.thyvox.com/. Here consumers can learnmore about the substance and how it is designed to work. Thisinformation along with information obtained in a consultationwith your doctor can help you determine whether or not you wishto use Thyvox in your weight loss endeavors.

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Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on a health or fitness program.

This article is provided by the vTeam, Kamau Austin Publisher. Visit Health and Fitness Vitality and the Fit After Forty blog at... http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/ for more articles on how health is your greatest asset. =========================================

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