The Thyroid Gland is one of the main endocrine glands helping regulate the body’s energy levels. Thyroid tissue is composed of follicular cells and parafollicular cells which secrete hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones play an important role of controlling body metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, fat and minerals. Thyroid diseases effect body composition. Insufficient thyroid hormone also known as hypothyroidism and over activity of the thyroid gland known as thyrotoxicosis.
Some characteristic changes on Body Composition of thyroid diseased patients
- Less Muscle Mass
- Weight and fat loss occurs in patients with hyperthyroidism
- Weight and fat gain occurs in hypothyroidism
- Loss of Body Cell Mass
- Change in Body Composition
Monitoring Body Composition
Body composition of patients with thyroid diseases hyperthyroidism tend to have lower muscle mass, body weight and fat. This group of patients tend to have lower Body Cell Mass as result of lower muscle mass.
Body composition assessment is an important indicator which should be assessed regularly in the diabetic population.