Prospective investigation of the food preference changes in patients with hyperthyroidism

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the food preference changes in patients with hyperthyroidism. Methods: Patients with hyperthyroidism and those become euthyroid as well as patients with differentiated thyroid cancer whose thyroid function tests were compatible with subclinical thyrotoxicosis were included in the study. Daily average energy intake was determined using a 3-day food consumption record, at the beginning and when euthyroidism was achieved, and only once in control patients. Food frequency questionnaire and food habits questionnaire were applied to detect changes in food consumption frequencies and eating habits. IPAQ-Short Form was used in order to obtain information about physical activities; anthropometric measurements were taken; and body analysis was performed by using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: Patients who became euthyroid had a significant increase in body mass index (BMI) (24.47±2.07 – 25.71±2.19, p=0.018), body fat percentage (28.23±4 – 31.42 ± 3.84, p=0.028), fat mass (18.40±2.48 – 21.54±3.18, p=0.018), waist circumference (85.28±9.99 – 89.42±7.34, p=0.039) and waist-to-hip ratio (0.85±0.069 – 0.88±0.053, p=0.028) compared to their hyperthyroid period, and their carbohydrate consumption (224.47±73.34 – 168.07±38.03, p=0.018) and energy intake decreased significantly. Body mass indices, body fat percentages, fat mass, waist and hipcircumferences were also found to be significantly higher in patients with subclinical thyrotoxicosis compared to hyperthyroid patients. Discussion: Nutritional preferences change in patients with hyperthyroidism, and the risk of obesity arise when they become euthyroid. Informing and warning the patients about the possibility of weight gain associated with changes in their nutritional preferences may reduce their risk. Controlled nutritional studies involving larger number of patients are warranted.