Study of Body Mass Index and Dyslipidemia in Patients of Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Background and Objectives: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with normal thyroid hormone levels and affects up to 13% of the Indian population. This study aimed to explore the correlation between dyslipidemia, body mass index (BMI), and SCH. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty subjects were enrolled, with anthropometric and blood samples taken for lipid and thyroid profile measurements. Results: Females made up 62% of the cohort. Eleven percent had TSH levels ≥ 10 mU/L. A strong positive correlation was found between elevated TSH and dyslipidemia (76.5% in TSH ≥ 10 mU/L). Obesity was more prevalent in those with higher TSH levels. Serum FT3 and FT4 showed no significant correlation with dyslipidemia or BMI. Using Indian BMI guidelines revealed higher obesity prevalence than WHO guidelines. Conclusion: Elevated TSH levels were strongly correlated with higher cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very LDL-C, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. BMI also showed a positive correlation with serum lipids. The prevalence of dyslipidemia and obesity was significantly higher in those with TSH ≥ 10 mU/L. Indian BMI guidelines indicated higher obesity rates than the WHO. FT3 and FT4 had no significant impact on BMI.