Hormonal Disruptions: Obesity can disrupt thyroid hormone levels, affecting their production and availability.
Thyroid Dysfunction Risk: Obesity increases the risk of thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism.
Influence on Test Results: Excess body fat can impact thyroid function test results, complicating the assessment of thyroid status.
Inflammation and Autoimmunity: Obesity-related inflammation may contribute to autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Insulin Resistance Impact: Insulin resistance associated with obesity can interfere with the conversion of T4 to T3, affecting thyroid function.
Leptin Influence: Elevated leptin levels in obesity may influence the hypothalamus and play a role in thyroid regulation.
Thyroid Cancer Risk: Obesity, particularly in women, is linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
Treatment Challenges: Managing thyroid disorders in obesity can be challenging, requiring careful consideration of medication dosing and lifestyle modifications.