Obesity and the thyroid gland. Some mechanisms of interconnection

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a global health problem, and its prevalence is growing steadily and rapidly around the world. Obese patients are much more likely than normal weight children to develop dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and impaired glucose metabolism, which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Obesity and thyroid disease are common conditions and often occur in the same person. Along with a random association, a hypothesis was put forward about a direct link between the thyroid disease and obesity. Thyroid hormone is an important determinant of energy expenditure and aids in appetite regulation. The continuous interaction between thyroid hormone and regulatory mechanisms localized in adipose tissue and the brain is important for controlling a person’s body weight and maintaining an optimal energy balance.