Body fat, lipid profile and selected hormones in active male Polish students characterized by lower and higher normal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels

Study aim: To evaluate the relationship between body fat, lipid profile and selected hormones in the context of lower and higher normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in active male students.

Material and methods: A total of 112 male students of the Faculty of Physical Education volunteered to participate in the study. Body weight, height and waist circumference were measured using standard medical equipment. The percentage of body fat was determined from the sum of the thickness of four skinfolds. Circulating lipids, TSH, glucose and insulin level were measured.

Results: Biochemical characteristics revealed that the circulating total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triacylglycerol (TG) levels were significantly lower in students with lower normal TSH levels vs. students with higher normal TSH levels. The analysis of distorted metabolic variables indicated that for students with higher normal TSH levels the frequency of disturbances was significantly higher than in students with lower normal TSH levels. Additionally, this group was characterized by a significantly higher percentage of fat in the body.

Conclusion: In young, physically active men, certain metabolic disorders related to plasma lipid profiles may be observed despite normal TSH levels.