The Relation between Obesity and Thyroid Function in Children and Adolescents

Noor Hamed; Ashraf Soliman; Amal Sabt; Nada Alaaraj; Shayma Ahmed; Fawzia Alyafei

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents is increasing globally, prompting investigations into its effects on various health parameters, including thyroid function.

Aim of the Review: To elucidate the relationship between obesity and thyroid function in the pediatric population through a review of recent studies.

Review Results: Analysis of studies involving hundreds of participants reveals a significant association between obesity and altered thyroid function, characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and changes in triiodothyronine (T3)/thyroxine (T4) ratios. Findings suggest that these alterations are reversible with weight loss, highlighting the potential impact of obesity management on thyroid health.

Table: summaries and findings from the studies reviewed
Author(s)	Year	Main Finding	Study Population
Reinehr T. et al.	2008	Thyroid function is reversibly related to weight status, with obesity linked to increased TSH and fT3 levels, and anorexia nervosa to decreased levels.	Female adolescents
Emokpae MA, Obazelu PA	2017	The T3/T4 ratio and TSH levels are positively associated with BMI in obese Nigerian children, suggesting a correlation between thyroid dysfunction and obesity.	Nigerian children and adolescents
Marras V. et al.	2010	Increased fT3 concentration is the most common thyroid abnormality in obese children, with serum fT3 and TSH levels correlating with BMI. Moderate weight loss often normalizes these hormonal changes.	Obese children and adolescents
Aeberli I. et al.	2010	Reductions in TSH during weight loss predict improvements in insulin sensitivity, independent of changes in body weight or fat.	Obese children and adolescents
Reinehr T. et al.	2006	Hyperthyrotropinemia in obese children is reversible after weight loss and not related to lipids, suggesting it is a consequence of obesity.	Obese children
Kiortsis DN et al.	1999	Weight loss results in a significant decrease in serum T3 levels and resting metabolic rate, with changes in RMR related to T3 changes.	Overweight children
Bambini F. et al.	2023	There is a significant relationship between obesity and thyroid impairments, with isolated hyperthyrotropinemia commonly seen in obese children.	Obese patients
Eliakim A. et al.	2006	Hyperthyrotropinemia is common in obese children, but treatment has no significant effect on weight, growth, or lipids, suggesting thyroid substitution may not be necessary.	Obese children and adolescents

Conclusion: The reviewed studies consistently demonstrate that obesity in children and adolescents is associated with modifications in thyroid function. These changes underscore the importance of addressing obesity early in life to mitigate its effects on the thyroid and overall health.

ESPE Abstracts

P3-83