32 Years in Albuquerque, New Mexico
(505) 232-6818
10 Medical Diagnoses That Cause Obesity
Bardet-Biedl Syndrome
Rare genetic disorder causing obesity, vision loss, and other abnormalities
1 in 140,000 to 1 in 160,000 individuals
Abnormal eating patterns and excessive hunger due to genetic mutations
No cure, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms (e.g., dietary counseling, hormone replacement therapy, and vision aids)
Cushing's Syndrome
Excessive levels of cortisol due to adrenal gland dysfunction
Approximately 10-15 cases per million people per year
Increased cortisol levels lead to fat deposition, particularly in the face, upper back, and abdomen
Surgery, radiation, or medications to remove or reduce the source of excess cortisol
Hypothalamic Obesity
Damage to the hypothalamus causing impaired appetite regulation
Rare, depends on the cause of hypothalamic damage
Damage to the hypothalamus disrupts appetite and energy balance regulation
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause (e.g., tumor removal) and managing symptoms through lifestyle interventions and medications
Hypothyroidism
Underactive thyroid gland causing slow metabolism
About 4.6% of the U.S. population (12 years and older)
Decreased production of thyroid hormones leads to reduced metabolic rate
Hormone replacement therapy (Levothyroxine)
Insulinoma
Rare pancreatic tumor that secretes excess insulin
1 to 4 cases per million people per year
Excess insulin secretion causes low blood sugar levels, stimulating appetite and weight gain
Surgical removal of the tumor, or in some cases, medications to manage blood sugar levels
Leptin Deficiency
Lack of leptin production by fat cells, leading to severe obesity
Extremely rare
Lack of leptin production causes constant hunger and inability to feel full
Leptin replacement therapy (e.g., metreleptin)
Leptin Receptor Deficiency
Impaired function of leptin receptors due to genetic mutations
Extremely rare
Inability of the body to respond to leptin signals, leading to persistent hunger and increased food intake
No specific treatment; management focuses on lifestyle interventions, dietary counseling, and weight loss medications
Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) Deficiency
Loss of function in MC4R protein involved in appetite regulation
1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,500 individuals
Mutations in the MC4R gene impair appetite regulation and lead to uncontrolled appetite
No specific treatment; management focuses on lifestyle interventions, dietary counseling, and weight loss medications
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Hormonal disorder causing insulin resistance, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility
6-12% of women of reproductive age
Insulin resistance leads to increased insulin production and excess androgen production by ovaries
Lifestyle changes, medications to manage insulin resistance (Metformin), hormonal therapy
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Genetic disorder causing constant hunger, low muscle tone, and developmental disabilities
1 in 10,000 to 1 in 30,000 live births
Abnormal functioning of the hypothalamus, leading to increased appetite and overeating
No cure, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms (e.g., strict dietary supervision, growth hormone therapy, and behavioral therapy)