Profiles of Thyroid Hormones in the Overweight Boys of District Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

We must understand hormonal pathways to solve the global problem of overweight children and adolescents. This study examines the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and body weight in Rawalpindi boys, where childhood obesity/BMI is more prevalent. Thyroid function and body weight have been linked in a few studies. In this case-control study, we recruited 166 boys (both normal and Obese) aged 5-15 from hospitals in District Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Heparinized syringes collected 1.5 ml antecubital blood samples from each subject. Blood plasma was immediately centrifuged following standard procedures and frozen at -20 °C. ELISA measured T3, T4, and TSH levels. A family history of Obesity or other endocrine or chronic diseases disqualified participants. Overweight boys had lower tri-iodothyronine (T3) levels than normal-weight boys (p<0.05). Ordinary boys' T3 levels rose from 5 to 10 years old. Overweight boys had lower T3 levels than normal-weight 9–15-year-olds (p<0.05). From 5 to 7, 9 to 11, and 15 years old, overweight boys had lower tetra iodothyronine (T4) levels than normal-weight males (p<0.05). Chubby boys had higher TSH levels at 9, 11, and 13–15 than normal-weight males (p<0.05). TSH correlated positively with body weight, while T3 and T4 correlated negatively. TSH linked with BMI, while T3 and T4 did not. This profile may explain overweight etiology. These findings can inform future research and interventions to address this serious public health concern in Rawalpindi and beyond.