European Society Of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline: Endocrine Work-Up In Obesity
January 2020
in “
European Journal of Endocrinology
”
Studysummary These guidelines recommend testing thyroid function in patients with obesity due to common hypothyroidism, and highlight that weight loss is crucial for addressing hormonal imbalances, with only modest weight loss benefits from treating endocrine disorders.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The European Society of Endocrinology's Clinical Practice Guideline on the Endocrine Work-up in Obesity highlighted the increased prevalence of endocrine conditions in individuals with obesity and provided recommendations for their assessment and management. It emphasized the importance of testing for thyroid function in all obese patients due to the high prevalence of hypothyroidism. Hormonal testing for hypercortisolism, male hypogonadism, and female gonadal dysfunction was recommended only when there was clinical suspicion of an underlying disorder. The guideline stressed that weight loss should be prioritized to restore hormonal balance, as treating endocrine disorders alone had a modest effect on weight loss. It also provided specific recommendations for the assessment and treatment of various hormonal conditions, including the use of testosterone and metformin, and advised against routine testing for certain hormones unless clinically indicated.
