Thyroid hormones control the metabolic rate and have a direct effect on a number of metabolic processes:
- Weight management
- In decreased caloric intake, thyroid hormone slows the body's metabolism, which initially reduces the associated weight reduction
- This is believed to be an evolutionary role for surviving in times of starvation
- Food metabolism
- Following consumption of a meal rich in fats and carbohydrates, thyroid hormone is released to increase the metabolic rate
- Inadequate release of thyroid hormone may lead to weight gain
- Energy expenditure
- Thyroid hormone stimulates oxygen consumption in metabolically active tissues
- This aerobic metabolism provides essential energy to muscle tissues
