Relationship of thyroid profile with body mass index and metabolic syndrome

Background: Metabolic syndrome is known to be associated with endocrine disorders, especially the thyroid dysfunction. The resultant thyroid dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome may add up to the already existing burden of cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: This study was intended to assess the thyroid function in patients with metabolic syndrome and evaluate its relationship with components of metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 adults attending the medicine department of a teaching hospital in Tamil Nadu. Relevant clinical examination with anthropometric measurements and blood examination was done in them. Results: There were 23 (23%) patients totally with at least three components of metabolic syndrome among the study population. The incidence of metabolic syndrome in adults with overt hypothyroidism was 100% and it was 50% in subclinical hypothyroidism. Almost all the components of metabolic syndrome except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly associated with thyroid dysfunction. Values of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and free T4 correlated with waist circumference. There was a negative correlation of triglycerides with free T3 and T4 values. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction, especially the hypothyroidism, is commonly associated with metabolic syndrome. Therefore, there is a need to screen patients with metabolic syndrome for thyroid dysfunctions and vice versa.