Does methimazole cause weight gain?

What is methimazole?

Methimazole, also known by the brand name Tapazole, is a drug used to treat hyperthyroidism. According to research, it may cause weight gain due to the specific mode of action of this drug, which blocks the activity of thyroid hormone and reduces metabolism. For example, when someone has an underactive thyroid, they may have symptoms such as fatigue or colds, and methimazole helps treat these conditions.

Why do people with thyroid problems gain weight?

People with thyroid problems may gain weight due to the effect of this gland on the body’s metabolism. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. If the thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism), the amount of thyroid hormones decreases and as a result the body’s metabolism slows down. This slow metabolism can lead to weight gain because the body burns calories at a slower rate.

Also, if the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) and secretes more hormones than the body needs, the body’s metabolism increases and the person may lose weight. However, in some cases, the treatment of hyperthyroidism can lead to a decrease in thyroid activity and thus weight gain.

Therefore, changes in weight can indicate a change in thyroid function and a doctor should be consulted to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment methods.

If you are looking for an effective weight loss drug, methimazole may be right for you. In some cases, people have experienced a significant amount of weight loss from taking it. In clinical studies, people who took methimazole lost an average of 2.5 kg in the first month they started taking it. After the first month, weight loss averaged about 0.5 kg per week.

What are the limitations in the use of methimazole?

You should know that methimazole is not approved for long-term use. It is usually only used for six months or less because some side effects may be harmful when used for a long time.

If you have recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and are looking for a way to lose weight, ask your doctor about methimazole. Many doctors prefer to prescribe this medication before other medications because it is more effective in helping people lose weight and is more likely to work for them.

What causes weight gain in hyperthyroidism?

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition in which body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure often rise to dangerous levels.

Many people are tempted to stop taking their anti-thyroid medication in order to lose weight.

Why does methimazole lead to weight gain?

Taking methimazole can interfere with thyroid function in the body and lead to weight gain. To treat hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland must be blocked. However, blocking thyroid production is significantly more difficult.

After starting methimazole, the typical weight gain was about 12 pounds in 42 people with Graves’ disease, according to research, and in response to the question, is it true that methimazole causes weight gain? It must be said that it definitely is, and it does this by slowing down the rate of metabolism and reducing the amount of energy produced in the body at rest.

Points when taking methimazole

It is important to take methimazole exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, call your doctor right away to discuss resuming the medication. Do not double doses or take more than recommended without talking to your doctor.

Methimazole can interact with many other medications. Consult your doctor before starting new medications.

If you have diabetes, methimazole can affect your blood sugar levels, and you may need to take more insulin or change the dose of your oral medications if needed. Your doctor will monitor you for any changes in your blood sugar levels while you are taking this medicine.

You should not stop taking methimazole suddenly. If you plan to stop the medication, talk to your doctor about slowly reducing your dose over time before stopping completely to give your thyroid gland time to adjust and return to normal.

If you need surgery, tell your surgeon or anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine before any surgery is planned.

If you are pregnant, call your doctor right away for instructions on how to dispose of the medication.

Weigh yourself and watch for symptoms of low sodium (headache, confusion, nausea, weakness).

References

Methimazole and Weight Gain? Is it Real?

How Methimazole Leads to Weight Gain & What to Do About It (restartmed.com)