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Thyroid function and structure are affected in childhood obesity

Giorgio Radetti1, Wolfgang Kleon, Fabio Buzi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Regional Hospital, via L. Boehler 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy. giorgio.radetti@asbz.it

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Obese children often exhibit thyroid structure and function changes, even without autoimmune markers. This study investigated thyroid involvement in pediatric obesity, revealing frequent structural alterations and altered thyroid hormone levels.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Thyroidology
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Thyroid function alterations are documented in obesity.
  • Limited data exists on thyroid structure and autoimmunity in obese children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate thyroid gland involvement in a large cohort of obese children.
  • To assess thyroid structure, function, and autoimmunity in pediatric obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 186 overweight and obese children.
  • Assessed serum free T3, free T4, TSH, antithyroid antibodies, and thyroid ultrasound.
  • Included 40 healthy, normal-weight children as controls.

Main Results:

  • 12.4% had antibodies and ultrasound suggestive of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
  • 37.6% had ultrasound suggestive of Hashimoto's thyroiditis without antibodies.
  • Elevated TSH and altered free T3/T4 levels were observed in various groups; TSH correlated with BMI and thyroid structure alterations.

Conclusions:

  • Obese children frequently present with thyroid structure and function alterations.
  • These changes are not solely explained by autoimmune involvement.
  • Thyroid assessment is crucial in pediatric obesity management.
Abstract

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