Association of obesity with orbital fat expansion in thyroid eye disease
2025

Obesity and Orbital Fat Expansion in Thyroid Eye Disease

Sample size: 87 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kuo Po-Chin, Kuo Shu-Chun, Teng Yi-Shan, Lai Chun-Chieh

Primary Institution: National Cheng Kung University Hospital

Hypothesis

Obesity may be associated with orbital fat expansion in thyroid eye disease.

Conclusion

Obesity is associated with orbital fat expansion and consequently more severe proptosis in thyroid eye disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • The average BMI of the study sample was significantly higher than that in the general population of Taiwan.
  • Participants with obesity exhibited significantly more severe proptosis than those without obesity.
  • A significantly greater orbital fat volume was removed from the group with obesity compared to that without obesity.

Takeaway

Being overweight can make your eyes bulge out more if you have a certain eye disease. Losing weight might help keep your eyes looking normal.

Methodology

This observational study retrospectively enrolled participants who received orbital fat decompression surgery for thyroid eye disease.

Limitations

The cause-and-effect relationship remains undetermined, and surgical specimen measurements may underestimate orbital fat volume.

Participant Demographics

The study included 87 participants, 36.8% men and 63.2% women, with an average age of 48.66 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.012

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s12886-024-03824-9

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