Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction and Its Relationship with Body Mass Index Among Algerian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and evaluate its relationship with body mass index (BMI) among Algerian adults.Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the diabetic care center of Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, from January to May 2025. Algerian adults aged ≥18 years who underwent BMI and thyroid function assessment were included. Demographic, metabolic, and thyroid-related parameters including thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) were recorded. The primary outcome was thyroid dysfunction, assessed using serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels and categorized as euthyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism according to laboratory reference ranges. The relationship between thyroid dysfunction and BMI was evaluated as the secondary outcome.Results: Among 107 Algerian adults, the median age was 52.0 years (IQR: 44.0–59.0). Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most prevalent thyroid dysfunction 63 (58.9%), followed by overt hypothyroidism 23 (21.5%). The median BMI was 26.8 kg/m² (IQR: 24.0–29.3), and participants with overt hypothyroidism demonstrated significantly higher BMI values (p-value <0.001). Furthermore, BMI showed significant positive correlations with TSH (ρ = 0.217, p-value = 0.025) and TPOAb levels (ρ = 0.210, p-value = 0.030), while significant negative correlations were observed with FT3 (ρ = −0.193, p-value = 0.047) and FT4 levels (ρ = −0.323, p-value <0.001).Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most prevalent thyroid dysfunction, while overt hypothyroidism demonstrated significantly higher BMI values among Algerian adults.
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7196978752