FREQUENCY OF UNDIAGNOSED HYPOTHYROIDISM IN OBESE FEMALES

Hypothyroidism in Obese Females

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of undiagnosed hypothyroidism in obese females.

Study Design: Cross sectional.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of General Medicine, Combined Military Hospital, Multan (a tertiary care hospital).  Six months.

Subjects and Methods: All individuals fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after their consent. Based upon their height and weight, the body mass index was calculated and their blood drawn for thyroid profile.

Results: Total 133 participants were included in the study and all were females, and their mean age (± SD) was 47.68 ± 11.382 years. The overall frequency of undiagnosed hypothyroidism was 4.5% (6 out of the 133 subjects)

Conclusion: The determined frequency of undiagnosed hypothyroidism in obese females is not high enough to recommend mass screening in all obese females.