Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

An Acupoint Catgut-embedding Therapy for Treating Obesity
04:50

An Acupoint Catgut-embedding Therapy for Treating Obesity

Published on: April 4, 2025

Treatment of paediatric hyperthyroidism but not hypothyroidism has a significant effect on weight

Melissa K Crocker1, Paul Kaplowitz

  • 1Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Clinical Endocrinology
|September 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Hypothyroidism in children causes minimal weight changes after treatment, contrary to expectations. Hyperthyroidism correction led to more significant weight gain, impacting body mass index (BMI).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Regulation
  • Thyroid Disorders

Background:

  • Thyroid hormones are crucial for metabolic regulation.
  • The impact of childhood hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on body weight and BMI remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on children's weight and BMI.
  • To analyze weight and BMI changes at diagnosis and after treatment for thyroid dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective and retrospective case series design.
  • Enrolled children with elevated free thyroxine (T4) and suppressed TSH (hyperthyroidism, N=57) or subnormal T4 and elevated TSH (hypothyroidism, N=29).

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in mean BMI z scores at diagnosis between hypo- and hyperthyroid groups.
  • Hypothyroid children had minimal weight loss initially, followed by weight gain. Hyperthyroid children gained significant weight post-treatment (mean 7.1 kg by second follow-up).
  • Males with hyperthyroidism reported more weight loss and had lower pretreatment BMI z scores than females.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood hypothyroidism does not appear to cause significant weight gain.
  • Correction of hyperthyroidism has a notable impact on children's weight status.
  • Findings contrast with the expected metabolic effects of thyroid hormones.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...