Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a common disease in Morocco because of the iodine deficiency frequency. The metabolic and nutritional effects of hypothyroidism are known in the literature. The hypothyroidism is classically described among the causes of secondary obesity. The aim of the study is to evaluate the nutritional status and anthropometric parameters in patients having hypothyroidism.

Patients and methods: Patients were recruited from the out-patients clinics. All the patients with the diagnosis of hypothyroidism and not receiving yet the L-thyroxin were included. All the patients were examined by the dietitian and the clinical and laboratory evaluation were carried on in all patients.

Results:: A total of …. were included. The mean age was 41 years. The sex ratio is 6/1. Weight gain was found in 67% of patients with a mean gain of 8kg. The mean weight was 80 kg for men and 68 kg for women for an average ideal weight of 64 and 54 kg respectively. The BMI was normal in 43, 30% of cases, 26.60% were overweight and 23.20% were obese. Waist circumference was pathological in 92% of women and 80% of men. The body fat percentage was high in 60% of female patients and 80% of male patients. The average daily caloric intake for women was 2138.77 Cal while the caloric intake was 1856.6 Cal in men. High intake in macronutrients was found in all patients.

Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is responsible for an important increase in body fat leading to overweight and obesity. The hormonal replacement is an efficient way to overcome these nutritional and metabolic changes. The nutritional evaluation is critical for any patient consulting for hypothyroidism.