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Association between lifestyle and anthropometric parameters and thyroid nodule features
Grigorios Panagiotou1, Despina Komninou1, Panagiotis Anagnostis2
1Department of Endocrinology-Endocrine Oncology, Theagenio Cancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Endocrine
|April 9, 2017
Summary
Body fat accumulation and lack of exercise are linked to thyroid nodule size and ultrasound characteristics. Promoting active lifestyles may help prevent thyroid nodules, especially in obese individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Thyroid nodularity is associated with obesity, but specific links between body composition and ultrasound features are unclear.
- Understanding these associations can inform preventative strategies for thyroid conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between thyroid nodule ultrasound characteristics and anthropometric/lifestyle parameters.
- To identify predictors of thyroid nodule presence and specific sonographic features.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of apparently healthy individuals in Northern Greece.
- Collected thyroid ultrasound data, medical history, and anthropometric measurements.
- Assessed body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Main Results:
- 168 out of 306 subjects (54.9%) had thyroid nodules.
- Nodule presence was associated with female gender, older age, higher fat mass, and increased waist circumference.
- Total body fat percentage predicted nodule size, hypoechogenicity, and peripheral vascularity; lack of exercise predicted internal vascularity.
Conclusions:
- Sedentary lifestyle factors, including body fat accumulation and lack of exercise, influence thyroid nodule characteristics.
- Routine thyroid screening for obese individuals and encouraging physical activity may be beneficial for prevention.