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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones01:20

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Thyroid function in the nutritionally obese child and adolescent.

Thomas Reinehr1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition Medicine, Vestische Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Witten/Herdecke, Datteln, Germany. T.Reinehr@kinderklinik-datteln.de

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|March 25, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in obese children appears to be a consequence of obesity, not a cause. Treatment with thyroxine is likely unnecessary for these children.

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Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Thyroid Function

Background:

  • Obesity in children is increasingly linked to altered thyroid function.
  • The causal relationship between obesity and thyroid hormone levels remains debated.
  • Subtle changes in thyroid hormones and TSH in obese children raise questions about treatment necessity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence of abnormal thyroid hormone and TSH values in childhood obesity.
  • To investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms connecting obesity and thyroid function.
  • To clarify whether elevated TSH in obese children warrants thyroxine treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies (past 18 months) on thyroid function in obese children.
  • Analysis of TSH, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine levels.
  • Consideration of thyroid ultrasonography findings and potential links to inflammation.
  • Evaluation of the role of adipokines like leptin.

Main Results:

  • Moderate TSH elevation was observed in 10-23% of obese children, with normal or slightly elevated thyroxine/triiodothyronine.
  • Thyroid hypoechogenicity in obese children with hyperthyrotropinemia was not linked to autoimmune thyroiditis.
  • Weight loss normalized elevated TSH levels in some cases.
  • Leptin is implicated as a potential mediator linking obesity to hyperthyrotropinemia.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated TSH levels in obese children are likely a consequence of obesity.
  • Thyroxine treatment for hyperthyrotropinemia in obese children appears unnecessary.
  • Understanding the link between obesity, inflammation, and thyroid function is crucial.