Thyroid Function in Obese Children and Adolescents and its Relationships with Metabolic Parameters

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate levels of free thyroxin (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in obese children and adolescents, and to identify potential correlations between glucose and lipid metabolism parameters.

Materials and Methods: One hundred obese patients aged 8-18 years were retrospectively evaluated in the pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic. All participants' anthropometric measurements, free T4 and TSH concentrations, glucose levels and lipid profiles were recorded.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 11.43 +/- 2.64 years. TSH levels exhibited significant positive correlation with fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Multiple regression analysis showed that a one-unit increase in blood glucose and cholesterol raised TSH levels by 0.047 units and 0.012 units, respectively.

Conclusion: The relationship between thyroid function and other metabolic risk factors in obese children is still unclear. Our findings are important in terms of showing that obesity may exert a central effect on thyroid function, before the emergence of any effects on insulin levels and anthropometric characteristics. A greater understanding of the association between thyroid function and obesity will be useful to the development of strategies aimed at preventing or treating childhood obesity.