LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM MISTAKENLY USED IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY

Abstract

The incessant search for effective solutions to the global problem of obesity has led many individuals to experiment with different approaches, from extremely restrictive diets to the use of supplements and medications that promise quick and significant results. The general objective of this study is to investigate and understand the unauthorized use of levothyroxine sodium, a medication indicated for thyroid disorders, in the treatment of obesity. This is a study of a bibliographical survey nature, with a qualitative approach and searching for academic articles based on a source of documentary data obtained through the Guidelines for structuring pharmacies according to the Brazilian Federal Pharmacy Council and through Google Scholar, whose instrument for data collection, a bibliographic review was carried out. Levothyroxine sodium, also known simply as levothyroxine, is a synthetic medication that acts as a substitute for the thyroid hormone called thyroxine (T4). The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that produces hormones that play a fundamental role in regulating metabolism and the functioning of the body. As can be seen in this study, the use of levothyroxine sodium for weight loss is an inappropriate and potentially dangerous practice. This medication is intended for the treatment of thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, and should not be used for the purpose of weight loss.