The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sonographic vascularity and echogenicity of the thyroid lobes, compared with a participant’s body mass index (BMI).

A total of 3722 participations, with varied BMI, were included in the study. For all the participants, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was measured, as well as thyroid volume, sonographic echogenicity, and vascularity were recorded. A multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the sonographic vascularity and echogenicity, of thyroid lobes, compared with the participants’ BMI.

The serum TSH values were significantly higher in patients with a BMI > 25 kg/m². The sonographic vascularity and volume of thyroid lobes were positively correlated the participants’ BMI (P < .005). Sonographic heterogenicity of the left thyroid lobe, right thyroid lobe, and the isthmus were positively associated with BMI (P < .005). However, the hyper/hypoechogenicity did not demonstrate any significant correlation with BMI (P > .005).

Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that thyroid volumes may have a significant positive relationship with BMI. In overweight participants (i.e., BMI more than 25), thyroid echogenicity was more heterogeneous and their thyroid lobes were more hypovascular.