|  | Conditions Treatments | Obesity

Thymus Gland & Weight Loss

The thymus gland is responsible for maintaining the body's immune system. While there is no direct connection between the thymus gland and weight loss, loss of function of the thymus gland can lead to increased risk of infection. Some infections lead to significant weight loss.

  1. Description

    • The thymus gland is located in the upper chest near the breastbone. When we are born, the thymus gland weighs approximately one-half ounce and gradually increases in size until puberty. In the average individual at puberty, the thymus weighs about 17 ounces. Once the individual reaches puberty, the thymus gradually begins to atrophy and will continue to slowly die as the individual ages.

    Function

    • The thymus gland is responsible for transforming some white blood cells into T lymphocyte cells or T cells. These T-lymphocytes are the white blood cells mainly responsible for fighting off infection. When an infection invades the body, the thymus secretes hormones that trigger the transformation of white blood cells into "killer cells." These killer cells are responsible for the eradication of the invading organism.

    Complications

    • One complication that occurs when the thymus no longer functions to its full potential is an increased potential for infection. If an individual develops an infection, significant weight loss may occur. This weight loss occurs because the body is burning excess calories in an attempt to eliminate the infection. Weight loss also occurs because the body is simply too sick to eat or cannot properly process the food that it ingests.

    Testing

    • Blood tests such as T3, T4 and T8 monitor the function ability of the thymus gland. Radiologic tests such as X-rays and CT, MRI and PET scans allow a physician to look directly at the thymus gland. If suspicious areas warrant further investigation, the physician will order a needle biopsy of the thymus gland for further testing. This needle biopsy is done either as a separate procedure or during surgery to remove the thymus gland.

    Research

    • Thymic protein A is a nutritional supplement that some report will help boost the thymus gland into keeping up its conversion of white blood cells into T-lymphocytes, according to Terry Beardsley, Ph.D., an immunologist at the Baylor College of Medicine who discovered thymic protein A. Supplementation with thymic protein A may prevent weight loss due to disease by boosting the immune system.

Obesity - Related Articles