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Medical conditions of obesity
Obesity can simply be defined as the excessive accumulation of fats that may impair
health. Usually, obesity is as a result of overeating, but in some people, excess weight gain
may result from other diseases. Three medical causes f obesity include Cushing’s syndrome,
Hypothyroidism, and depression.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that results when the thyroid gland secretes too little
hormone. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control the heart, breathing, weight,
metabolism rate and many other functions. Both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism are
commonly associated with decreased metabolic rate, reduced thermogenesis and weight gain
which represents a risk factor for obesity (Biondi, 3614).
Cushing’s syndrome is another condition that may cause obesity. Cushing syndrome
usually results by taking glucocorticoid drugs. It may also be caused by diseases that result in
excess adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol or Corticotropin-releasing hormone levels.
Cortisol hormone levels will be elevated which thus requires more carbohydrates. Cortisol,
therefore, metabolizes the food refueling the body even when not necessary. Various parts of
the body due to elevated cortisol levels get the excessive fats accumulation which may
ultimately result in obesity. Cushing ‘s syndrome is typically associated with truncal obesity
(SARANAPALA, 30).
Depression is always linked to obesity. Individuals who are depressed are more likely
to be obese due to the physiological changes in their immune systems and hormone that
results from depression. The positive association between depression and obesity in adults is
