Thyroid Function and Anthropometric Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors' conclusion
We showed a relation between higher TSH concentrations and higher BMI or weight, and between higher FT4 concentrations and lower BMI or weight, although effect sizes were modest. We highlight the need of more high-quality longitudinal studies. Despite the relevance of the association between thyroid (dys-)function and anthropometric measures, evidence is scarce.
Study context
- Population
- Adults; studies examining thyroid function or thyroid disease as exposure and anthropometric measures (eg, BMI, weight) as outcome; Embase, Medline (Ovid), Cochrane Central searched until June 28, 202364 studies
- Outcome
- Cross-sectional association of thyroid function with BMI
Methodological detailsrandom effect meta-analyses, population-based studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), Evidence limited and heterogeneous, particularly for longitudinal studies
- Random effect meta-analyses
- Population-based studies and RCTs
- Evidence limited and heterogeneous, particularly for longitudinal studies
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and BMI: B per 1 mIU/L increase of TSH
0.21
95% CI 0.09–0.32
Free thyroxine (FT4) and BMI: B
−0.14
95% CI −0.23 to −0.05
Further pooled results
Longitudinal association of thyroid function with weight
- Increasing TSH concentrations were related to weight gain and increasing FT4 concentrations to weight loss
- Longitudinal studies n = 22 010
Original publication
Thyroid Function and Anthropometric Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Endocr Pract. Published 2 December 2024. doi:10.
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