Although genetic abnormalities may make it harder or easier to lose weight, the prevalence of obesity has dramatically increased over the past two decades, and genes cannot have changed within that short amount of time. Human metabolism evolved so that it could conserve energy and store fat during times of famine. Most cases of obesity now occur in people with normal body function who live in industrialized nations where food is overly plentiful.
Medical or Physical Causes of Obesity
A number of medical conditions may contribute to being overweight, but rarely are they a primary cause of obesity.
- Hypothyroidism is sometimes associated with weight gain. But, patients with an underactive thyroid generally show only a moderate weight increase of five to 10 pounds.
- Very rare genetic disorders, including Froehlich's syndrome in boys, Laurence-Moon-Biedl, and the Prader-Willi syndromes, cause obesity.
- Abnormalities or injury to the hypothalamus gland can cause hypothalamic obesity.
- Cushing's disease is a rare condition caused by high levels of steroid hormones. It results in obesity, a moon-shaped face, and muscle wasting.
- Obesity is also linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome, a hormonal disorder in women.
 | Click the icon to see an image of polycystic ovaries. |
Effects of Certain Medications
Some prescription medications contribute to weight gain, usually by increasing appetite. Such drugs include the following:
- Corticosteroids
- Female hormone treatments, including some oral contraceptives (usually temporary) and certain progestins (such as Megestrol) used to treat cancer
- Antidepressants and anti-psychotic drugs, including lithium and valproate
- Insulin and insulin-stimulating drugs used to treat diabetes often leads to weight gain, a particularly unfortunate conflict of interest for obese individuals with type 2 diabetes
You should not stop taking any medications without your doctor's knowledge.
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