Primary Hypothyroidism: Presence of Central Adiposity and Its Improvement on Attaining Euthyroid State with L-Thyroxine

摘要

Objective: Primary hypothyroidism is frequently manifested by weight gain. Moreover, treatment with L-Thyroxine reverses the weight gain in most subjects on achieving euthyroid state. However, the characteristic fat distribution contributing to these changes in body weight is not well documented. Therefore, the presence of central adiposity was examined in primary hypothyroidism prior to and after attaining and maintaining euthyroid state following L-Thyroxine therapy. Methods: Waist and hip measurements were conducted to determine waist: hip ratios in 55 men, ages 39 to 84 years at diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism established by subnormal Free T4 and supernormal TSH concentrations and again after their normalization by L-Thyroxine replacement therapy. The subjects were divided according to Body Mass Index (BMI-Kg/m2) into 3 groups; hypo T1, 20 men with BMI 30. 15 euthyroid normal (N) men matched for age and BMI in each group participated as controls. Results: Mean waist: hip ratio was significantly higher (p Conclusion: Central adiposity is a definitive clinical manifestation of primary hypothyroidism in men. Moreover, a significant improvement on achieving euthyroid state following L-Thyroxine therapy may deem central adiposity to be a major contributor to changes in body weight in primary hypothyroidism noted at diagnosis and on attaining and maintaining euthyroid state.