Relationship Between Central Obesity and Thyroid Function in Adults With Metabolic Syndrome

Authors

  • Dr. Sofia Müller Author
  • Dr. Haruto Watanabe Author
  • Dr. Elena Rossi Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61336/jdme.0601.04

Keywords:

Central obesity, metabolic syndrome, thyroid function, TSH

Abstract

Central obesity is a major component of metabolic syndrome and may be associated with alterations in thyroid function. This study evaluated the relationship between central adiposity and thyroid hormone concentrations in adults with metabolic syndrome. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 168 adults aged 35–70 years who fulfilled established criteria for metabolic syndrome. Waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose, lipid profile, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were assessed. Participants were categorized according to waist circumference. Individuals with greater central obesity had higher mean TSH concentrations and lower FT4 concentrations compared with participants with lower waist circumference. TSH demonstrated a positive correlation with waist circumference, BMI, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR, while FT4 showed inverse associations with these measures. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and metabolic variables, waist circumference remained independently associated with TSH concentration. These findings suggest that central obesity may be associated with subtle differences in thyroid function among adults with metabolic syndrome.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Sofia Müller

    Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine

  • Dr. Haruto Watanabe

    Department of Endocrinology

  • Dr. Elena Rossi

    Department of Internal Medicine

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Published

2026-08-27

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