Early adiposity rebound and obesity in children with congenital hypothyroidism

Shou-Yen Chen1, Shio-Jean Lin, Sheng-Hsiang Lin

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.

Insights

Children with congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) experience earlier adiposity rebound (AR), increasing their obesity risk. Early weight control interventions are recommended for these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Earlier adiposity rebound (AR) is a known risk factor for obesity.
  • Congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) is a condition affecting thyroid hormone levels from birth.
  • Understanding obesity risk factors in CHT is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate obesity rates and AR timing in children with CHT.
  • To identify risk factors associated with obesity in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of CHT patients with abnormal newborn screening for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
  • Categorization into overweight/obese and normal BMI groups based on 6-7 year olds' BMI.
  • Comparison of AR age and BMI with the general Taiwanese population.

Main Results:

  • 32.2% of 90 CHT cases were overweight or obese.
  • AR occurred earlier in girls with CHT compared to general population girls.
  • Obesity correlated with earlier AR, higher BMI at first peak and AR, and lower T4 levels post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Children with CHT exhibit an elevated risk of obesity, linked to an earlier AR.
  • Proactive weight management strategies and monitoring are advised for children with CHT.
Abstract

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