Body weight and body composition changes after treatment of hyperthyroidism.

• Body composition changes in nine adults with hyperthyroidism were determined with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography at diagnosis and after 3 and 12 months of euthyroidism achieved by surgery, antithyroid drugs, or treatment with radioiodine. Mean body weight was 67.6 kg at diagnosis and increased 2.7 kg (P=0.06) and 8.7 kg (P < 0.001) after 3 and 12 months of euthyroidism, respectively. Basal metabolic rate decreased from 2087 Cal/24 h at diagnosis to 1601 Cal/24 h at 12 months (P=0.001), whereas reported energy intake dropped from 3244 to 2436 Cal/24 h (P=0.01). According to dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, body fat was unchanged at 3 months, but increased by 5.3 kg (P < 0.0001) at 12 months. Fat-free mass increased 2.7 kg (P=0.003) at 3 months and 3.5 kg (P < 0.0001) at 12 months. Changes in bone mineral content and density did not reach significance. According to computed tomography, skeletal muscle plus skin areas increased by 11% (trunk) and 18% (thigh) at 3 months and by 17% (trunk) and 25% (thigh) at 12 months. There was no increase in sc adipose tissue (AT) at 3 months, but at 12 months this AT depot increased by 15% (thigh) and 33% (trunk). Intraperitoneal AT showed a borderline significant increase by 28% (P=0.08) at 3 months and by 40% (P=0.015) at 12 months. Areas of visceral organs and bone tissue of femur did not change significantly during the study. It is concluded that during early recovery from hyperthyroidism, priority is given to the replenishment of skeletal muscles and ip AT, whereas sc AT is increased at a later stage.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Endokrinologi och diabetes (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Endocrinology and Diabetes (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Absorptiometry

Photon

Adult

Body Composition

physiology

Body Weight

physiology

Energy Intake

Energy Metabolism

physiology

Female

Humans

Hyperthyroidism

metabolism

pathology

radiography

therapy

Male

Middle Aged

Thyroid Hormones

blood

Tomography

X-Ray Computed

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)