Correction of Hypothyroidism Leads to Change in Lean Body Mass without Altering Insulin Resistance

Abstract

142 nmol/l). All patients had TSH ≥ 50 μIU/l. Following treatment , there was a mean body weight reduction of 1.7 kg (p = 0.01). Waist circumference as well as triceps and sub-scapularis SFT decreased significantly (p < 0.001). There was no change in fat mass (FM), percentage of fat (%FM) or bone mineral content in any of the specified regions or in the body as a whole. In contrast, mean lean body mass (LBM) decreased significantly by 0.8 kg (p < 0.01) in the trunk and 1.3 kg (p < 0.01) in the whole body. Insulin resistance and level of glycemia were not affected by treatment with T 4. Conclusion: LBM decreases significantly without affecting FM after correction of hypothyroidism. Insulin resistance was not influenced by T 4 treatment.