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Thyroid function and obesity in children and adolescents.
H Stichel1, D l'Allemand, A Grüters
1Department of Paediatrics, Campus Virchow, Humboldt University, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany.
Hormone Research
|February 22, 2001
Summary
Childhood obesity is linked to higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels. These elevations in obese children typically do not require thyroxine treatment if other thyroid disorders are ruled out.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Thyroidology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Thyroid dysfunction is a concern in pediatric populations.
- Obesity may influence thyroid function parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of thyroid dysfunction in obese children.
- To assess thyroid autoantibodies, iodine excretion, and thyroid volume in obese children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 290 obese and 280 healthy children.
- Measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4 levels.
- Subgroup analysis for thyroid autoantibodies, iodine excretion, and thyroid volume.
Main Results:
- Elevated TSH (>4 U/l) found in 7.5% of obese children versus 0.3% of controls.
- Median TSH and T3 concentrations were significantly higher in obese children.
- Increased prevalence of positive thyroid autoantibodies in obese children, often with elevated TSH.
Conclusions:
- Childhood obesity is associated with significantly increased TSH and T3 levels.
- Thyroid autoimmunity and iodine deficiency do not typically explain these TSH increases.
- Elevated TSH with normal thyroid hormones in obese children does not necessitate thyroxine treatment if other disorders are excluded.