[Thyroid hormones during a hypocaloric diet in obese patients]

The levels of T3, RT3, T3/RT3, T4, FT4 index or T4/TBG, TSH, at days 1, 4, 8, 15 of a 800-1 000 diet with 60-80 g of carbohydrates, were studied in 45 subjects. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric and non parametric tests for comparison of the mean levels between days 1 and 4, 1 and 8, 1 and 15, 4 and 8, 4 and 15, 8 and 15. We observed no difference between men and women. We noted no modification in the evolution of T4, FT4 or T4/TBG and TSH levels. A significant T3 decrease and a RT3 increase with a clear cut decrease of the T3/RT3 ratio from day 1 to 15 principally marked from day 4 to 15 were found. These hormonal modifications correlate well with the weight fall.