Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Obese Patients: Relation to Resting Energy Expenditure, Serum Leptin, Body Composition, and Lipid Profile

Abstract

In patients with obesity, SH affects energy expenditure only when TSH is clearly above the normal range; it does not change body composition and lipid profile. We suggest that, at least in obese patients, evaluation of TSH levels may be useful to rule out a possible impairment of resting energy expenditure due to a reduced peripheral effect of thyroid hormones.