Hypothyroidism and Weight Gain in Children Linked?

Thyroid Conditions and Children

The most common thyroid disorder is called hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid under produces the thyroid hormone. Because many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are indistinct, at times a correct diagnosis can be difficult. And some physicians can overlook the symptoms, such as fatigue and depression, and attribute them to a different cause altogether.

In an earlier blog entry, we listed the symptoms of thyroid disorders. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is thyroiditis, also called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune thyroid disorder. A very common cause of thyroiditis is aging. As people age, the thyroid produces less hormone causing the condition. But many times, a young person might develop thyroiditis and as a result could, in some cases, become sluggish which in-turn could lead to weight gain. Today we are going to discuss a common belief that hypothyroidism can directly lead to weight gain, even in children.

Hypothyroidism and Weight Gain in Children

Often times, a parent will investigate hypothyroidism after their child has suffered from fatigue, depression, and even weight gain. The parent will take the child to a physician who will conduct a simple blood test and, in some cases, determine that the child has an under active thyroid called hypothyroidism. The parent often requests the child be treated for their disease in hopes that while regulating the deficient hormone level in their child with the once-a-day thyroid hormone pill, an added benefit of the treatment will lead to the child magically losing the excess weight and achieving improved overall health. However, a child who is treated for hypothyroidism is not likely to lose weight with treatment for their condition alone, according to a new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics. The study is groundbreaking because it is the first study of its kind in which the link between hypothyroidism in children and weight loss is examined.

The Journal's study documented sixty-eight children with acquired hypothyroidism that were seen in the Kentucky Children's Hospital Pediatric Endocrinology Department from 1995 to 2006. Most of the children had extreme cases of hypothyroidism. The researchers who conducted the study discovered that with levo-thyroxine, which was used to stabilize the children's thyroid hormone levels, did not result in lower weight, either within the short-term or long-term.

But hypothyroidism alone is not responsible for weight gain, according to the study's lead author, Dr. Jefferson P. Lomenick of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology. In fact, Lomenick contends that hypothyroidism leads to a collection of fluids within the subcutaneous tissues called myxedema. And while regulating and correcting the level of thyroid hormone does indeed cause fluid to dissipate, it only relates to a weight loss of a few pounds. Lomenick states that most incidences of hypothyroidism are diagnosed well before myxedema becomes established and this is why few people enjoy weight loss after treatment. Hypothyroidism's effect on weight loss has been far over characterized.

Emotional Effects of Hypothyroidism

The side effects of hypothyroidism are vast. They include a feeling of nervousness, irritability, and these patients can also feel fatigue or depression. However, these emotional side effects will most likely subside with treatment for the thyroid disorder. Because these types of disorders develop gradually, some symptoms are not recognized at the onset.

Helping Hypothyroid Children with Weight Issues

A camp was launched this year at Christ Lutheran School and will continue through the summer to August 1st. The goal of the camp is to provide young people with education and exercise in an effort to help them not only lose weight, but gain the knowledge in order to make a lifestyle change so that they can maintain a healthy weight. The camp is called "The Biggest Teen Loser" and serving as the camp's medical directors are Drs. Walter Flesner and Mark Smith of Island Coast Pain and Rehabilitation Center in Cape Coral.

A young participant at the camp, Nicole, has the most common thyroid disorder - an autoimmune condition in which her body repudiates her thyroid. This condition is called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. And because of Nicole's condition, her body does not burn calories as efficiently as other teens. Her under active thyroid does not utilize energy as quickly as is necessary. Nicole is participating in the camp in hopes that she can learn how to eat so that her body will utilize the calories more efficiently.

Although Nicole is only one patient at the camp of seventeen youths who attended, it is promising to see this example of public involvement with goals of helping teens that suffer from weight issues.

Excellent Review of Thyroid Disease

This video was found to have an excellent visual reference for thyroid disorders and their effect on the metabolism. If you or a loved one is concerned about hypothyroidism and weight gain in children, call a pediatric endocrinologist to request a consultation so you can discuss your questions and possible treatment options.  And be sure to check back here each week for more news on thyroid health.