How hormonal diseases cause obesity

Being overweight (obesity) is a growing problem in our society. In Germany, around one third of women and two thirds of men are overweight. The cause is usually a combination of high energy intake and too little exercise. For more and more people, obesity and the resulting illnesses are becoming a major health risk. Diets and therapeutic weight reduction often only have a short-term effect. Only rarely can a permanent reduction in body weight to the BMI (body mass index) normal value be achieved.

Hormonal disorders can also be the cause of obesity

In rare cases, obesity is caused by hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances can have a variety of symptoms:

• Anxiety and even depression,
• digestive problems,
• cardiovascular diseases,
• fatigue,
• skin problems or even
• unexplained weight gain.

In many cases, hormonal disorders should be ruled out in the case of obesity

For example, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome) or an elevated cortisol level can be responsible for overweight and obesity (medically: adiposity). The stress hormone cortisol (also known as hydrocortisone) activates catabolic metabolic processes. Energy is supplied to the body through the breakdown of energy-rich nutrients. Accordingly, cortisol increases appetite and food intake. Hypothalamic disorders are less common. Tumours or operations on the hypothalamus can also lead to weight gain. There is no question that hormonal disorders can favour obesity. It is therefore advisable in many cases to rule out a hormonal disorder in order to ensure successful treatment.

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