J Korean Soc Pediatr Endocrinol.  2008 Dec;13(2):203-206.

Hyperthyroidism associated with Overweight in Adolescent Girl; Case report

• Sung K
• Kwak BO
• Chung S

Abstract

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide in epidemic proportions, despite major efforts to promote weight reduction. Long-term follow-up indicates that obese children and adolescents tend to become obese adults. Thyroid disorders are common endocrine problems encountered in the pediatric and adolescent age group. Most reports about the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and obesity are topics about patient with hypothyroidism. Much of the rationale in trying to identify abnormalities of thyroid function in obesity is based on the concept that in hypothyroidism "slow metabolism leads to obesity". We report a case of a girl with tremor and modest weight gain. She was diagnosed as hyperthyroidism. We suggest that physicians consider a possibility of thyroid disease not only hypothyroidism but also hyperthyroidism in obese patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report of overt hyperthyroidism with obesity in children. We report a case with literature review.

Keyword

Obesity; Overweight; Hyperthyroidism

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Child
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Obesity
Overweight
Prevalence
Thyroid Diseases
Thyroid Gland
Tremor
Weight Gain
Weight Loss