Causes of Obesity

Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
Updated on December 08, 2024
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In the medical field, obesity is categorized into two types: primary (simple) obesity and secondary obesity. Primary obesity occurs without any other physical diseases and is solely due to irregular lifestyle, unscientific eating habits, and lack of exercise, leading to weight gain. This type can be managed with lifestyle adjustments and proper dietary guidance to reduce weight. Secondary obesity, which is less common, often involves endocrine disorders such as Cushing's syndrome. This condition can arise from issues with the pituitary or adrenal glands, or other parts of the body such as tumors, leading to excessive secretion of cortisol. This in turn causes redistribution of body fat, leading to characteristic signs like moon face, buffalo hump, and accumulation of subcutaneous fat which are manifestations of obesity. Additionally, conditions like hypothyroidism can lead to myxedema, contributing to obesity, as well as drug-induced obesity. Examples include patients with nephrotic syndrome or lupus who experience weight gain from prolonged use of corticosteroids. Therefore, the causes are diverse and require differential diagnosis by a specialist based on the individual's condition.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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Which department does obesity belong to?

Obesity is defined by calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI), where one's weight in kilograms is divided by their height in meters squared to obtain a numeric value. If the BMI is 28 or higher, it is defined as obesity. There are two types of obesity based on BMI excess: simple obesity and secondary obesity. Simple obesity occurs without any other internal medical conditions, purely due to weight gain. Secondary obesity may be due to other psychosomatic diseases that lead to an increase in BMI. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the endocrinology department for physical examinations and laboratory tests to determine whether the obesity is simple or secondary. Hence, a consultation in the endocrinology department is advised.

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Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
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Can obesity get pregnant?

Obesity firstly needs to be differentiated, whether it is a type of physiological obesity or a pathological obesity, such as diseases of the growth gland, Cushing's syndrome, etc., which cause pathological obesity. In this case, some corresponding examinations are required for differentiation. If it is simple obesity, further tests for insulin resistance, blood glucose, blood lipids, and other metabolic indicators are necessary to determine if they are normal, as well as liver and kidney functions. If these conditions are all acceptable, pregnancy is possible. However, it is still important to monitor these indicators during pregnancy. Obesity is not an absolute contraindication for pregnancy, but of course, it is best to control the weight before getting pregnant.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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What tests are needed for obesity?

Obesity, also known as adiposity, is a chronic metabolic disease caused by excessive accumulation of fat or abnormal fat distribution in the body. Therefore, once obesity is diagnosed, it is necessary to conduct tests related to metabolism, such as blood glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure, and blood uric acid, which are commonly known as the "four highs" tests. Additionally, liver function tests and kidney function tests should be completed to exclude obesity caused by other diseases. It is also necessary to conduct examinations for pituitary tumors, adrenal cortex function, and thyroid function to determine whether the obesity is secondary to other diseases.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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The causes of obesity

Obesity can be classified into primary and secondary obesity according to its causes. Primary obesity, also known as simple obesity, is the most common type among various forms of obesity. It is mainly caused by poor dietary habits such as overeating, especially excessive intake of fatty foods, and a sedentary lifestyle, rather than being secondary to other diseases. Secondary obesity, on the other hand, is often due to diseases of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, hypercortisolism, hypofunction of the thyroid or gonads, insulinomas, and other diseases. Secondary obesity is mainly due to diseases, and it can show some symptoms of the underlying disease.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
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What is obesity?

Obesity is a common group of metabolic syndromes, which occurs when the caloric intake of a human body exceeds its caloric expenditure. The excess calories are then stored in the body in the form of fat. When this amount exceeds normal physiological needs and reaches a certain value, it evolves into obesity. There are many methods for assessing obesity, including anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, ultrasound, CT, infrared sensing valves, and others. Obesity without a clear pathological cause is referred to as simple obesity, while obesity with a defined pathological cause is referred to as secondary obesity. The causes of obesity are of two types: one is primarily due to excessive diet and insufficient activity, where caloric intake exceeds caloric expenditure; the other is obesity caused by disorders of fat metabolism.