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Review
. 2024 Jun;13(2):194-213.
doi: 10.1007/s13668-024-00528-w. Epub 2024 Mar 25.

Obesity and Obesity-Related Thyroid Dysfunction: Any Potential Role for the Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD)?

Sebastián Pablo Chapela  1   2 , Alison Simancas-Racines  3   4 , Florencia Ceriani  5 , Andrés Luciano Nicolas Martinuzzi  6   7 , María Paula Russo  8 , Ana Karina Zambrano  9 , Daniel Simancas-Racines  10 , Ludovica Verde  11 , Giovanna Muscogiuri  12   13 , Christos S Katsanos  14 , Evelyn Frias-Toral #  15 , Luigi Barrea #  16
Affiliations
Review

Obesity and Obesity-Related Thyroid Dysfunction: Any Potential Role for the Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD)?

Sebastián Pablo Chapela et al. Curr Nutr Rep. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review aims to explore in-depth the different aspects of the association between very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD), obesity and obesity-related thyroid dysfunction.

Recent findings: The VLCKD, proposed as a non-pharmacological strategy for the management of certain chronic diseases, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Initially used to treat epilepsy, it has been shown to be effective in controlling body weight gain and addressing various pathophysiological conditions. Research has shown that a low-calorie, high-fat diet can affect thyroid hormone levels. Weight loss can also influence thyroid hormone levels. Studies have suggested that long-term use of VLCKD for refractory epilepsy may be related to the development of hypothyroidism, with an effect seen in various populations. In particular, women with obesity following VLCKD tend to have reduced T3 levels. We propose further research to unravel the underlying mechanisms linking VLCKD to obesity and obesity-related thyroid dysfunction.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism; Obesity; Thyrotropin; Thyroxine; Triiodothyronine; Very low-calorie ketogenic diet.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Management and treatment of obesity-related thyroid disorders
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Central and peripheral effects of T3
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
VLCKD in hypothyroidism
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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