Objective: To determine the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism in local adult obese population.
Methods: The study was conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from March, 2017 to August, 2017. All patients aged between 18 and 60 years with BMI of more than 29kg/m2 were included in the study. Patients on lipid lowering drugs, with renal failure, hepatic failure and already diagnosed cases of thyroid dysfunction were excluded from the study. Thyroid functions were measured for all patients.
Results: A total of 127 adults were included in the study in a consecutive manner. Mean age was 34.5 + 7.9 years of which 46.5% were male and 53.5% were female. Mean BMI was 32.05±2.06 kg/m2. The mean serum TSH was 3.13±1.10 mIU/L and mean serum thyroxine level was 1.08±0.25ng/dl. Subclinical hypothyroidism was recorded in 15% of the study population.
Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism is highly prevalent in our population with BMI of more than 29kg/m2. Further studies are recommended on relationship between thyroid functions and BMI and its effect on cardiovascular functions.
Keywords: Body mass index; Hypothyroidism; Obesity; Thyroid stimulating hormone; Thyroxine.