Weight Gain After Thyroidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Weight gain is a significant concern for patients with hypothyroidism, impacting their quality of life.
• Existing data on body weight changes after thyroidectomy are inconsistent, necessitating a comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate weight changes following total thyroidectomy.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed for studies published between September 1998 and May 2018.
• Seventeen studies involving 3164 patients were included, with data analyzed using fixed and random effect models.
• Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were employed to explore factors influencing weight change, including age, gender, and surgical indication.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis indicated an overall mean weight gain of 2.13 kg (95% CI: 0.95, 3.30) following thyroidectomy.
• Age was negatively associated with weight change (β = -0.238, P < 0.001), suggesting younger patients gain more weight.
• Weight gain was more pronounced in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism (5.19 kg) compared to goiter (1.55 kg) or malignancy (1.30 kg).

Conclusions:

• Thyroidectomy is associated with a potential for mild weight gain, particularly in younger patients and those operated on for hyperthyroidism.
• Further prospective studies are required to elucidate the pathophysiology of post-thyroidectomy weight gain and explore potential interventions.