Hypothyroidism and obesity. Cause or effect?
Abhyuday Verma1, Muthukrishnan Jayaraman, Hari K V S Kumar
1Department of Endocrinology, Medwin Hospitals, Nampally, Hyderabad, India.
Saudi Medical Journal
|August 12, 2008
Summary
Obesity is frequently linked to thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism. This study found a significant association between obesity and hypothyroidism, suggesting further research into their relationship.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Obesity and hypothyroidism are prevalent endocrine disorders.
- The relationship between these conditions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between obesity and hypothyroidism.
- To analyze the prevalence of primary hypothyroidism in obese patients.
- To assess the prevalence of obesity in primary hypothyroidism patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study conducted in Hyderabad, India.
- Data from 625 primary hypothyroidism patients and 450 obesity clinic patients analyzed.
- Chi-square test used for frequency difference assessment.
Main Results:
- 44% of hypothyroidism patients had a BMI >25 kg/m2.
- Obesity was more common in overt hypothyroidism (46%) than subclinical hypothyroidism (34%).
- Overt hypothyroidism (33%) and subclinical hypothyroidism (11%) were found in obese patients.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid dysfunction is more prevalent in obese individuals.
- Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship between obesity and hypothyroidism.
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