Pituitary adrenal gland diseases can cause obesity

Pituitary adrenal gland diseases may lead to obesity, with common causes including Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, pituitary adenoma, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypothyroidism, etc. These diseases disrupt metabolism through abnormal hormone secretion, leading to fat accumulation and weight gain.

1. Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is caused by long-term excessive secretion of cortisol, typically manifested as centripetal obesity, accompanied by a full moon face, buffalo back, and skin purple lines. The patient's fat is mostly accumulated on the face and trunk, and the limbs are relatively slender. Diagnosis requires blood cortisol rhythm testing and dexamethasone suppression test, while treatment requires surgery or medication to control cortisol levels based on the cause.

2. Polycystic ovary syndrome

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome have insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, leading to abdominal fat accumulation and difficulty in controlling weight. Typical symptoms include menstrual disorders, hirsutism, and acne. Lifestyle intervention is the basic treatment, and if necessary, insulin sensitizers or anti androgen drugs should be used to regulate metabolic abnormalities.

3. Pituitary tumors

Pituitary growth hormone tumors or adrenocorticotropic hormone tumors can lead to acromegaly or Cushing's disease, respectively, both of which may be accompanied by weight gain. Obesity caused by pituitary tumors is often accompanied by characteristic changes in appearance, such as enlargement of hands and feet or thinning of skin. Diagnosis requires pituitary MRI and hormone testing, and treatment mainly involves surgical resection.

4. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

21 hydroxylase deficiency and other types can lead to disorders in adrenal cortisol synthesis, feedback causing an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone, stimulating adrenal hyperplasia and excessive secretion of androgens. Childhood patients may experience obesity accompanied by precocious puberty, while adults may present with metabolic syndrome. Treatment requires lifelong supplementation of glucocorticoids.

5. Hypothyroidism

Insufficient thyroid hormones can reduce basal metabolic rate, leading to weight gain and myxoedema. Patients often suffer from cold sensitivity, constipation, and dry skin. Diagnosis can be confirmed by detecting thyroid stimulating hormone and free thyroxine. Long term oral replacement therapy with levothyroxine sodium is required, and weight gradually improves with the recovery of thyroid function. For suspected endocrine obesity patients, it is recommended to improve hormone levels and imaging examinations to clarify the cause. After diagnosis, targeted treatment of the primary disease is required, along with a low glycemic index diet and moderate exercise. Daily monitoring of weight and waist circumference changes is necessary to avoid high salt and high-fat diets and ensure adequate sleep. Regularly review hormone levels and adjust treatment plans based on the results. If necessary, refer to an endocrinology specialist for follow-up management.