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Association between Thyroid Function and Body Mass Index: A 10-Year Follow-Up
Hengameh Abdi1, Elham Kazemian, Safoora Gharibzadeh
1Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism
|June 16, 2017
Summary
Changes in free T4 (FT4) levels, not TSH, may influence body weight changes in normal-weight individuals. This study explored thyroid function and body mass index (BMI) over 10 years.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
- Population Health
Background:
- Thyroid function tests (TFTs) are crucial for metabolic health.
- Understanding the relationship between TFTs within the euthyroid range and body mass index (BMI) is important for weight management.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the longitudinal association between subtle thyroid function changes and BMI in normal-weight populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between changes in thyroid function tests (TSH and FT4) and body mass index (BMI) in individuals with normal weight at baseline.
- To determine if variations in thyroid hormones within the normal range predict future weight changes.
- To analyze the relationship between thyroid function and the development of overweight or obesity.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study (Tehran Thyroid Study) included 1,100 normal-weight euthyroid individuals.
- Thyroid function tests (TSH and FT4) and BMI were measured at baseline and after a 10-year follow-up.
- Statistical analyses included modified Poisson regression and multinomial logistic regression, adjusting for relevant covariates.
Main Results:
- A significant negative association was found between the change in serum free T4 (FT4) and follow-up BMI (RR 0.55 [95% CI 0.37-0.80]).
- No significant association was observed between changes in serum TSH and follow-up BMI.
- Multinomial logistic regression revealed no relationship between changes in FT4 or TSH and BMI categories (normal, overweight, obese).
Conclusions:
- Changes in serum free T4 (FT4) concentrations, but not TSH, may play a role in body weight changes among normal-weight euthyroid individuals.
- These findings suggest FT4 fluctuations within the euthyroid range could be a contributing factor to weight gain.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these subtle thyroid function variations on weight management.
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