Thyroid Function in Human Obesity: Underlying Mechanisms

[helvella]

Well I never - obesity and thyroid are linked in ways not already properly recognised.

Horm Metab Res. 2016 Dec;48(12):787-794. Epub 2016 Dec 6.

Thyroid Function in Human Obesity: Underlying Mechanisms.

Fontenelle LC1, Feitosa MM1, Severo JS1, Freitas TE1, Morais JB1, Torres-Leal FL2, Henriques GS3, do Nascimento Marreiro D.

Author information

Abstract

Obesity is associated with several metabolic and endocrine disorders; and changes in plasma concentrations, secretion patterns, and clearance of various hormones are observed in obese patients. In this context, recent research has shown that overweight can influence the function of the thyroid gland, usually leading to increased thyrotropin concentrations and changes in the ratio between the hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine, though within the normal range. The etiology of these changes is still unclear; however, several mechanisms have been proposed including the adaptive process to increase energy expenditure, hyperleptinemia, changes in the activity of deiodinases, the presence of thyroid hormones resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, and insulin resistance. Although the clinical implications have not been clarified, studies suggest that these changes in the thyroid function of obese individuals may contribute to the worsening of metabolic complications and the development of diseases in the thyroid gland.

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

PMID:

27923249

DOI:

10.1055/s-0042-121421

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/279...

[Hidden]

Translation: So thyroid disease makes you fat, and then being fat makes thyroid disease worse.

Do they get paid for this stuff?

[helvella Administrator in reply to Hidden]

If no-one says even this, it gets assumed that thyroid doesn't make you fat - it is solely down to cream cakes and quadruple cheeseburgers with fried potatoes.

And at least it suggests some possible mechanisms and thereby implies possible treatments.

[puncturedbicycle in reply to helvella]

With rising rates of both obesity and hypothyroidism, and an inexplicable resistance to recognise the potential interplay between the two (plus the judgement of moral deficiency attached to both by the medical profession) I'm glad someone is saying something. Bizarre that it has to be said, but I'll take it.

[Hillwoman]

I can't remember the name of the prize given for scientific research into the bl***ing obvious...

[Treepie in reply to Hillwoman]

The Ignobel?

[Hillwoman in reply to Treepie]

Ah, yes! Thank you, Treepie.

[silverfox7]

Brings me back to wishing that the medics could walk in our shoes for a few months. Thinks would improve then I'm sure!

[Learner1]

Maybe they could add gluten consumption to the next obesity and thyroid study?