Hyperthyroidism & Weight
Weight Study Aim
Individuals with hyperthyroidism lose weight despite increased appetite
and food intake, and weight is regained after treatment of hyperthyroidism.
We asked whether this weight regain is purely a function of lowered metabolic
rate coincident with lowered thyroid hormone concentrations or if the
weight gain is related to food-energy over-consumption.
Weight Study Method
Ten unselected patients with hyperthyroidism treated with 131I were studied.
The following measurements were made at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months:
total food energy, carbohydrate, fat and protein consumption.
Weight Study Results
Inverse changes in body weight and food energy consumption/kg throughout
the period of observation was a striking finding. The initial and final
food energy intake was 3005 ± 199 and 2597 ± 137 Kcal/24
hrs, respectively. The thyroid hormone concentrations declined inversely
relative to weight gain during the first months of the study, but later
the thyroid hormones increased while weight gain continued.
Weight Study Conclusion
We conclude that weight gain following treatment of hyperthyroidism is
due to 1) reduction in metabolic rate consequent upon the decreased thyroid
hormone concentrations and 2) food energy intake which was initially greater
than required to maintain individuals' pre-morbid weight. As body weight
increased, food intake declined and both reached an asymptotic limit.
Source: University of Minnesota, 1999
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