Thyroid Dysfunction and Obesity: Impacts on Health

Dr Sanjay Kalra, Treasurer, International Society of Endocrinology (ISE), Vice President, South Asian Obesity Forum (SOF), Bharti Hospital, Karnal, INDIA

“A coordinated, individualized strategy combining medical therapy, lifestyle change, and surgical options is essential for effectively managing obesity in thyroid-related disorders.”

Obesity and thyroid dysfunction are major challenges in endocrinology that often coexist, complicating weight management. Even after achieving normal thyroid function, patients frequently experience persistent weight changes, which can substantially affect quality of life.

A recent review published in Endocrine Practice examined the mechanisms through which hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism influence weight, focusing on their effects on basal metabolic rate, appetite regulation, glucose and lipid metabolism, and thermogenesis.

A comprehensive literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar identified 71 relevant studies from an initial pool of 500, addressing how thyroid hormones and their treatments affect weight and metabolism, as well as strategies for managing obesity in patients with thyroid disorders. In hypothyroid patients, the effects of levothyroxine therapy and potential T3 supplementation on weight are evaluated, while in hyperthyroid individuals, the impact of antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroidectomy on weight regulation is discussed.

The review also explores pharmacological and lifestyle interventions, assessing their efficacy and influence on thyroid function, and consider the role of bariatric surgery, including its effects on thyroid hormone absorption and postsurgical management.

Overall, these findings highlight the need for a multidisciplinary, individualized approach to managing obesity in patients with thyroid dysfunction, integrating medical treatment, lifestyle modification, and surgical options to optimize metabolic outcomes and overall patient health.

(Source:  Dharia A, Desai D, Desai K. Exploring the link between thyroid disorders and obesity: mechanisms, impacts, and clinical implications. Endocr Pract. 2025;31(5):660-667. doi:10.1016/j.eprac.2025.02.005;https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1530891X25000436 )