Effects of a diet plus exercise program on thyroid function in patients with obesity.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Health
• Obesity Medicine

Background:

• Conflicting results exist regarding thyroid function changes after diet-induced weight loss in obese individuals.
• The impact of combined diet and exercise on thyroid function in this population remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the effects of a 3-month rehabilitation program on weight, body composition, and thyroid function in euthyroid patients with severe obesity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels before and after the program.
• Investigation of correlations between body weight/composition changes and thyroid function parameters.
• Utilized a within-subject design where each participant served as their own control.

Main Results:

• The study included 34 euthyroid patients with severe obesity (mean BMI 49.3 kg/m²).
• Participants achieved significant mean weight loss (11 kg) and fat mass loss (6.8 kg) after 3 months (mean BMI reduced to 46 kg/m²).
• No significant correlations were found between weight/fat mass loss and serum TSH, FT3, or FT4 concentrations.

Conclusions:

• A 3-month rehabilitation program integrating diet and exercise leads to significant weight and fat mass reduction in obese patients.
• This combined intervention approach appears safe for thyroid function, not inducing thyroid dysfunction.