Published in IJCP December 2018
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Thyroid, Obesity and Thyromimetic Compounds
December 11, 2018 | Pragati Kapoor, Pankaj Kumar, Ak Kapoor
     


Obesity is one of the most important health risks of our times especially owing to modern lifestyle. An association between hypothyroidism and weight gain is well-documented and that thyroid hormones (THs) play a key role in regulating energy homeostasis. An inverse relationship between obesity and energy expenditure (EE) is also well-known. An increase in EE has long been considered for treating obesity. Hence, increasing EE with thyromimetic drugs constitutes an important line of management of obesity. Moreover, TH receptor activation has beneficial effects including lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a reduction in whole body adiposity and weight. Selective thyromimetic compounds, though not clinically approved as yet, may be a big leap forward in this direction, because of a close association between THs and EE. The review encompasses the influence of TH in obesity, body mass index, dyslipidemia and thermogenesis. Besides, therapeutic potential of thyromimetic compounds in the treatment of obesity and dyslipidemia as well as their harmful effects have been outlined.