Effect of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Thyroid Function in Chinese Euthyroid Obese Patients

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Bariatric Surgery
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Thyroid function changes after bariatric surgery in euthyroid obese patients show inconsistent results.
• Limited data exists on thyroid function changes in Chinese obese subjects post-bariatric surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of weight reduction on thyroid function after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
• To assess changes in thyroid hormones in euthyroid obese Chinese patients following LSG.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of serum free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
• Measurements were taken before and 12 months after LSG in 16 euthyroid patients with morbid obesity.
• Correlation between weight loss and thyroid function changes was investigated.

Main Results:

• Mean BMI decreased significantly from 35.78 to 23.66 kg/m² post-LSG.
• Serum TSH levels decreased significantly from 2.31 to 1.54 mU/L (P=0.022).
• Serum FT4 and FT3 levels remained stable post-LSG (P>0.05).
• TSH reduction correlated with BMI decrease but not with excess or total weight loss.

Conclusions:

• Weight loss following LSG is associated with a significant decrease in serum TSH.
• Serum FT4 and FT3 levels do not change significantly after LSG.
• Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of TSH reduction post-LSG.