Obesity during childhood may cause the function and structure of the thyroid to change

The thyroid gland controls metabolism by setting the rate at which a person produces energy from their body's stores.Dr Giorgio Radetti, from the Regional Hospital of Bolzano in Italy, revealed that his team appears to have uncovered a link between alterations in thyroid function and structure and obesity.

The researchers studied 186 overweight and obese children for nearly three years and found changes in thyroid structure which they believe may be due to obesity.Dr Radetti said: 'We found an association between body mass index and thyroid hormone levels, which suggests that fat excess may have a role in thyroid tissue modification.'Obesity has previously been linked with a range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and several forms of cancer.

Source: NetDoctor.co.uk