Correlation of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with Body mass index

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate relationship between thyroid disorder and body mass index. The study was conducted at Institute of Radiotherapy & Nuclear Medicine (IRNUM) Peshawar. The population studied consists of 250 subjects in which 125 were hypothyroid patients and 125 were hyperthyroid patients. The samples were divided into three groups according to age that is 20-40, 41-60 and 61 and above years. Detailed age, medical history, was obtained through questionnaire method. Body Mass Index was obtained by measuring height and weight of patients. The Body Mass Index of hypothyroid patients was increased as compared to hyperthyroid patients. According to the standards suggested by World Health Organization and Asian criteria for Body Mass Index, the total percentage of female obese patients due to hypothyroid disorder was recorded to be 52.8 % and the percentage of male obese patients was 17.6 % While Total percentage of hyperthyroid female obese patients was recorded to be 9.6 % and percentage of male population was recorded to be 3.2 %. It is concluded from the present study that the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) has positive relation with Body Mass Index. It is suggested that every thyroid patient should do regular physical exercise along with medicine recommended by Doctor to improve thyroid function. The thyroid patients should focus on healthful behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, managing stress, and sleeping adequately, normal level of iodine intake is necessary for proper functioning of thyroid gland.

Key words:  hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid stimulating hormone, body mass index.