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Changes in lifestyle improve body composition, thyroid function, and structure in obese children

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Abstract

Background: Alterations in thyroid function and structure have been reported in obesity. Function reverses to normal after weight loss, but nothing is known about structure. Aim: To evaluate the effect of weight loss on thyroid function and structure in obese children. Subjects and methods: The study was conducted in 72 overweight and obese children. Measurement of free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), TSH, antithyroid-antibodies and a thyroid ultrasound was performed at the beginning (phase 1) and after a period of 1.8±1.0 yr of lifestyle intervention (phase 2). Results: Height SD score (SDS), body mass index SDS, total fat mass did not change from phase 1 to phase 2. Percentage of fat free mass decreased significantly (p<0.05). Waist/height ratio decreased (0.6±0.1 vs 0.5±0.1; p<0.05) as well as waist/hip ratio (0.9±0.1 vs 0.8±0.1; p<0.05). In phase 1, TSH was 2.8±1.7 mU/l; in phase 2, it was 2.2±0.9 mU/l (p<0.05); 17.2% of children showed a TSH level above the normal range (3.6 mU/l) in phase 1, and 6.2% in phase 2 (p<0.05). fT4 was 10.8±2.2 pg/ml in phase 1 and 10.7±1.9 pg/ml in phase 2. fT3 was 4.4±1.3 pg/ml (phase 1) and 3.9±1.1 pg/ml (phase 2) (p<0.05). Thyroid volume was −0.5±0.8 SDS (phase 1) and −0.5±1 SDS (phase 2). A non-significant improvement in thyroid structure was observed. Conclusions: In conclusion, healthier lifestyle improves body composition, thyroid function, and structure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Regional Hospital of Bolzano, via L. Boehler 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy

    G. Radetti, S. Longhi & W. Cassar

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

    M. Baiocchi & F. Buzi

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  1. G. Radetti
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  2. S. Longhi
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  3. M. Baiocchi
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  4. W. Cassar
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Correspondence to G. Radetti.

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Radetti, G., Longhi, S., Baiocchi, M. et al. Changes in lifestyle improve body composition, thyroid function, and structure in obese children. J Endocrinol Invest 35, 281–285 (2012). https://doi.org/10.3275/7763

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