No Relationship Found Between Obesity Rate and Thyroid Levels

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid output, does not significantly increase overweight and obesity rates. TSH levels in obese and overweight individuals are usually in the normal range. Subclinical hypothyroidism (as indicated by a TSH between 2.51 and 4.0 mU/L) was actually more common than clinical hypothyroidism (TSH above 4.0 mU/L) in overweight and obese subjects.

While thyroid hormones are tied with metabolic rate, free T3 increases with waist circumference… perhaps part of an adaptive response to weight gain.

Hypothyroidism causes a multitude of problems including fatigue and dry skin. Stress reduction techniques including proper sleep, proper diet, meditation and exercise may improve thyroid levels.

PMID: 18646339

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