Indices of Central and Peripheral Obesity; Anthropometric Measurements and Laboratory Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome and Thyroid Function

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity are serious health problems in the World, including Turkey. Contemporary studies have suggested a mean-ingfulassociationbetweeninsulinresistance(IR),MetS parameters, and thyroid function tests.Aims: We aimed to elucidate the impact of fat distribu-tion on the anthropometric and laboratory parameters, especially indices of MetS, IR and thyroid function, in obese women.Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Methods: Anthropometric measurements of all par-ticipants and biochemical tests in their serum samples were performed.Results: Weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and other parameters of fat distribu-tion were significantly increased in all obese compared to control subjects; but there was no significant differ-ence between central and peripheral obese groups. The central obese group had significantly higher insulin levels, components of MetS, the ratio free triiodothy-ronine (fT3) to free thyroxin fT4, and fT4 than those of peripheral obese and control groups.Conclusion: Elevated triglyceride, glucose and insulin levels may be associated with increased IR, which in turn is related to MetS. Body fat composition may af-fect thyroid tests in the obese; the changes in fT3/fT4 could be the consequence of fat distribution.