Thyroidectomy Effects on the Body Mass Index and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure for various thyroid conditions, including cancer, goiters, and hyperthyroidism.
• The impact of thyroidectomy on post-operative weight and body mass index (BMI) remains a subject of debate.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for patient management and long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis assessing the relationship between thyroidectomy and subsequent changes in body weight and BMI.
• To synthesize evidence from existing literature to provide a clearer understanding of post-thyroidectomy weight fluctuations.
• To investigate potential associations between thyroidectomy indications and weight changes.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar up to January 2024.
• Included studies focused on total or subtotal thyroidectomy and assessed body weight and BMI.
• Six studies (five retrospective, one prospective) met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in weight or BMI before and after thyroidectomy.
• Statistical analysis showed no significant effect on weight (OR: -0.63, P=0.15) or BMI (OR: -0.12, P=0.40).
• No heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I²=0.0%), indicating consistent findings.

Conclusions:

• Thyroidectomy, whether for differentiated thyroid carcinoma or hyperthyroidism, does not appear to be associated with significant changes in body weight or BMI.
• Further research is warranted to explore the roles of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroxine dosage in post-thyroidectomy metabolic changes.
• Current evidence suggests weight management post-thyroidectomy may not require specific adjustments solely based on the surgery itself.