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Body weight and body composition changes after treatment of hyperthyroidism
L Lönn1, K Stenlöf, M Ottosson
1Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Goteborg, Sweden. lars.lonn@medfak.gu.se
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Body composition in hyperthyroidism patients normalizes over time. Skeletal muscle and visceral fat replenish first, followed by subcutaneous fat accumulation as metabolism recovers.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Medicine
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Hyperthyroidism significantly alters metabolic rate and body composition.
- Understanding the temporal dynamics of body composition changes during recovery is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sequential body composition changes in adults during recovery from hyperthyroidism.
- To differentiate the timing of fat and fat-free mass restoration.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computed tomography (CT) were used.
- Measurements were taken at diagnosis and 3 and 12 months after achieving euthyroidism.
- Participants underwent various treatments including surgery, antithyroid drugs, or radioiodine therapy.
Main Results:
- Body weight and fat-free mass significantly increased over 12 months.
- Subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) increased significantly at 12 months, while visceral AT showed a borderline significant increase earlier.
- Skeletal muscle mass also showed significant increases at both 3 and 12 months.
Conclusions:
- Early recovery from hyperthyroidism prioritizes skeletal muscle and visceral adipose tissue replenishment.
- Subcutaneous adipose tissue accumulation occurs at a later stage of metabolic normalization.
- These findings highlight a phased recovery pattern of body composition post-hyperthyroidism treatment.