How to Lose Weight With Vitamin D3 5000 IU
Vitamin D3, or vitamin D as it is also called, has been receiving a lot of attention by the medical community due to its link to numerous health conditions, one of which is weight gain. In a study, the University of Minnesota found that people with deficient levels of vitamin D were likely to store a greater amount of fat than those who were not deficient. The best source of vitamin D is through sunlight, but with decreased exposure due to the use of sunscreens, as well as increases in sedentary lifestyles, people are at a higher risk of becoming vitamin D deficient. Supplementing your vitamin D intake might help.
Vitamin D pills in a wooden spoon. (Image: pinkomelet/iStock/Getty Images)Step 1
Determine if you are experiencing symptoms that might indicate a deficiency in vitamin D. Symptoms include weight gain, muscle pain, muscle weakness, bone fractures, fatigue, depression, lowered immunity, mood swings and sleep irregularities.
Step 2
Visit your physician to have your vitamin D levels tested. A blood test can determine whether your levels are below normal or not.
Step 3
Discuss your treatment options with your physician if your vitamin D levels are low. Most often, a vitamin D deficiency will be treated with supplements, either in a prescription or over-the-counter strength, such as 1,000, 2,000 or possibly even 5,000 IU per day, depending on your particular situation. Following your doctor's recommended dose should help bring your vitamin D levels back to normal over the course of several months.
Step 4
Notice if your weight begins to drop while taking the vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D is not a diet aid, but low levels can cause weight gain, so bringing your vitamin D levels back to normal might help you lose weight.
Step 5
Continue to follow a healthy low-calorie diet and regular exercise program. Vitamin D alone will not counteract an unhealthy eating plan or sedentary lifestyle. It is still important to burn more calories than you are consuming to lose weight while taking vitamin D supplements.
Step 6
Follow up with your doctor one to two months after being on the vitamin D regimen to determine if your course of treatment is working or if it should be altered in any way.
Things You'll Need
Blood test
Vitamin D supplements
Warning
Talk to your doctor to determine the proper dose of vitamin D supplements for your particular condition. Vitamin D is fat soluble, which means the body stores it in fat. Thus, very high levels can be toxic.
