A study of the relationship between obesity and some parameters of the thyroid nodule

Abstract

Background: Thyroid nodules represent one of the most prevalent thyroid disorders, with their incidence increasing globally in recent years. In Mongolia, the rapid rise in the prevalence of metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, may contribute to an increase in thyroid nodules. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between obesity and thyroid nodules in individuals with and without thyroid nodules, and to assess the risk of developing thyroid nodules based on obesity. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive and analytical study was conducted using data from the National Preventive Health Checkup Program of the Mongolian government, which screened 36,395 individuals between 20222023. Results: A total of 36,395 individuals participated in the study, of whom 63.7% (n=23,188) were female, with a mean age of 53.73±10.369 years, a mean weight of 71.03±14.08 kg, a mean BMI of 27.56±4.7 kg/m², and a mean waist circumference of 89.66±13.44 cm. Of the participants who underwent thyroid ultrasonography, 40.3% (n=14,651) were diagnosed with thyroid nodules. Females (76.7%, n=11,242) exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of thyroid nodules than males (23.3%, n=3,409) (p<0.01). Compared to participants without thyroid nodules (27.91±4.7 kg/m²), those with thyroid nodules demonstrated a significantly higher BMI (26.77±4.7 kg/m²) (p=0.002). Central obesity was significantly more prevalent among individuals with thyroid nodules. Compared to normal-weight individuals, those who were overweight (OR=1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.3, p< 0.001), obese (OR=1.3, 95% CI: 1.2–1.4, p< 0.001), and centrally obese (OR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.3–1.6, p< 0.001) exhibited an increased risk of developing thyroid nodules. Conclusions: 1. Thyroid nodules are present in 40.3% of individuals with early detection. 2. The incidence of thyroid nodules is 1.2-1.5 times higher in overweight and obese individuals compared to those of normal weight.