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Naltrexone for weight loss: Does it work?

The Dr. Westin Childs Podcast
The Dr. Westin Childs Podcast
Episode • Nov 5, 2019 • 9m
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/

Did you know that naltrexone, also referred to as low dose naltrexone, can help with weight loss?

It's actually an effective weight loss medication provided that it is used in the right way.

LDN or naltrexone or low dose naltrexone (all names for the same medicine) is typically used to treat alcohol dependence. But it was found that it can also be used to treat autoimmune conditions. Then later it was found that LDN also seems to have some weight loss properties.

LDN has very few side effects and it works through a different mechanism compared to other medications which makes it a great add-on for many people.

AS ALWAYS, make sure that you use LDN with OTHER weight loss therapies such as diet, exercise, and so on. Using it in this way is obviously the best.

We are going to discuss 6 ways that LDN (or low dose naltrexone) can help with weight loss:

#1. Naltrexone targets insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is one of the primary drivers of weight gain and obesity in MANY people. Up to 50% of people in the US suffer from insulin resistance in some form.

LDN helps to drive down insulin levels which can help with weight loss.

#2. Naltrexone increases growth hormone.

Some studies show that naltrexone can also increase or normalize growth hormone levels. And because growth hormone helps maintain muscle mass and fat mass in balance, it will help manage weight.

#3. Naltrexone modulates your appetite.

Naltrexone also helps to MODULATE your appetite. Notice I said modulate and not suppress. It actually helps to reduce cravings for foods you shouldn't be eating and it helps you to eat the normal amount of calories you should be each day (instead of overeating).

#4. Naltrexone reduces inflammation.

Naltrexone ALSO helps to lower inflammation. Inflammation is a driver of fat cell dysfunction and weight gain by itself. So if you reduce inflammation you will help with weight loss indirectly.

This reduction in inflammation is also why LDN is often used to treat autoimmune conditions.

#5. Naltrexone improves your sleep.

Naltrexone has also been shown to regulate sleep cycles and to help improve sleeping patterns. Because a lack of sleep is associated with obesity, anything which improves your sleep may help with weight loss.

#6. Naltrexone improves and increases thyroid hormone.

Lastly, Naltrexone has been shown to DIRECTLY improve your thyroid. Some studies show that naltrexone increases free T3 and total T3 levels in the body. The more thyroid hormone you have the higher your metabolism will be and the more weight you will lose.

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I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.

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