Prevalence of Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity are major global health concerns that increase the risk of metabolic and endocrine disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic and endocrine disorders among individuals with overweight or obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 916 adults with overweight or obesity who attended the obesity clinic at Shariati Hospital between 2014 and 2022. Clinical and laboratory data were evaluated for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, thyroid disorders, hyperlipidemia, vitamin D deficiency, and other endocrine abnormalities. Associations between obesity grades and these conditions were assessed using chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Results: Metabolic syndrome was present in 30.7% of participants, with prevalence increasing from 18.1% among participants with overweight to 38.7% among those with grade 3 obesity (P < 0.001). The prevalence of diabetes increased significantly from 12.7% to 26.7% across these weight categories (P = 0.001). Hyperlipidemia affected 51.1% of participants, and vitamin D deficiency was observed in 60%, with a higher prevalence among women. Hypothyroidism was more common in women than in men (29.4% vs 13.6%), whereas hyperthyroidism affected 4.5% of women and 3.5% of men. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence of metabolic and endocrine disorders among individuals with overweight or obesity, particularly metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and thyroid dysfunction. These findings underscore the need for targeted screening and management in obesity clinics. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of obesity on these disorders.