The impact of weight loss interventions on thyroid function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sandeep Samethadka Nayak, Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Bridgeport Hospital, Yale New Heaven, Bridgeport, CT, USA.
Seyyed Mohammad Hashemi, Cardiovascular Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Masum Patel, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College 34, Jalaramnagar Society, Mehsana, Gujarat, India.
Nimra Shafi, Department of Medicine, Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Elmira, NY, USA.
Pubali Biswas, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Nallurahalli Main Road, Whitefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Sepide Javankiani, General Surgery Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Padmavathi Jaladi, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Connecticut Honors College, Mansfield Rd, USA.
Sanjana B. Patil, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Rahiq Rashid, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Connecticut Honors College, Mansfield Rd, USA.
Ehsan Amini-Salehi, Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
Daniyal Ameen, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital, USA.
Khushbu Viresh Janani, Soundview Medical Associates, Department of Internal Medicine, Hartford Healthcare, Wilton, CT, USA.
Anil Kumar Jonnalagadda, Department of Cardiology, John Peter Smith Hospital, Texas, USA.
Kwame Boateng Agyeman, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, California, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study explores how weight loss impacts thyroid hormone levels, particularly free T3 (FT3) and FT4, in obese individuals, given the key role these hormones play in regulating metabolism and gene expression. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, ISI/Web of Science, and Scopus databases identified studies examining the correlation between weight, body mass index (BMI), and thyroid hormone levels. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that BMI reduction significantly decreases FT3 levels [odds ratio (OR) = 2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.73-3.10, P < 0.01] and increases FT4 levels (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47-0.98, P = 0.04). Weight loss results in a significant reduction in FT3 (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.68-3.64, P < 0.01) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.15-2.69, P < 0.01), as well as a significant increase in FT4 (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.55-0.88, P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis indicated that changes in thyroid hormone levels were more pronounced in obese individuals who underwent diet calorie restriction compared to bariatric surgery. CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that weight reduction leads to a decrease in TSH and FT3 levels and an increase in FT4 levels. Calorie restriction through diet has a more pronounced effect on thyroid function compared to bariatric surgery. Clinicians should approach elevated TSH levels in obese patients with caution, emphasizing weight management strategies as the primary therapeutic intervention before resorting to pharmacological treatments.

First Page

4484

Last Page

4497

DOI

10.1097/MS9.0000000000003428

Publication Date

7-1-2025

Identifier

40852024 (pubmed); PMC12369776 (pmc); 10.1097/MS9.0000000000003428 (doi); AMSU-D-24-02264 (pii)

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