In my article last week, I talked about the main problems that lead to obesity. In this week's article, I would like to talk about hormonal disorders and clinical conditions that cause obesity.
Insulin Resistance; Unfortunately, carbohydrate consumption is too high in our society. In our country, carbohydrate consumption constitutes 80% of meals. Especially after high carbohydrate intake, excessive insulin secretion occurs from the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone necessary for our body's tissues to use sugar. However, as carbohydrate consumption increases, weight gain occurs and more insulin must be secreted for the tissues to use sugar. As insulin increases, the fat content in the body increases, appetite increases and the desire for carbohydrates increases. This vicious circle causes obesity to become even worse. The treatment is to reduce carbohydrates and use drugs that reduce insulin resistance. In addition, regular exercise is one of the most important methods in reducing insulin resistance as it facilitates the use of sugar by tissues.
Polycystic ovary syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes (sugar) disease; In fact, insulin resistance lies at the basis of these two clinical diseases. However, there is a clear familial predisposition in these people. Unfortunately, obesity is very common in people with a family history of this disease, with a rate of approximately 80%. Polycystic ovary syndrome should be investigated in patients with menstrual irregularity, increased hair growth, and difficulty in losing weight. These patients are also at high risk for diabetes in the future. Particularly during pregnancy, close monitoring is required for both weight gain and the development of gestational diabetes.
Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's) disease; Thyroid hormone is a vital hormone necessary for the proper functioning of body metabolism. In thyroid hormone deficiency, in addition to many complaints, complaints such as difficulty losing weight and rapid weight gain can be observed. Therefore, thyroid function tests and thyroid antibodies should be checked in patients with obesity. If the patient is using thyroid medication, thyroid tests should be performed at regular intervals and medication dosage adjustments should be made.
Cushing's syndrome; excess of cortisol hormone in the body. It is a disease that occurs after perception. These patients complain of increased abdominal circumference, fat on the neck, and thinning of the legs and arms. Especially in these patients who have problems with fat distribution, their faces may be observed as swollen (moon face). They have purple stripes on their bodies, especially in the abdominal area. Patients with such complaints should definitely be examined for Cushing's syndrome.
Alcohol consumption; Obesity, especially with fat in the abdominal area, is very common in people with excessive alcohol consumption. Consuming fatty foods along with alcohol increases weight gain. Alcohol consumption should be reduced or even stopped in the treatment of obesity.
Drugs; Different drugs used during different treatments can cause weight gain. For example, cortisone pills and injections, insulin, some diabetes medications, and medications used to treat some psychiatric diseases cause weight gain. In patients using this type of medication, necessary precautions must be taken during treatment. If the person is overweight, drug alternatives with less weight-losing effects should be considered.
Depression and psychological disorders; Unfortunately, eating disorders are frequently observed in some patients with depressive disorders. In addition, some of the drugs used to treat these diseases can also cause obesity. Patients with eating disorders and psychiatric disorders must be treated appropriately.
Vitamin D deficiency; In people with vitamin D deficiency, insulin resistance increases along with weakness and fatigue. This is why it may be difficult for people with vitamin D deficiency to lose weight.
In fact, this list can be extended further. However, the main diseases that cause obesity can be classified in this way. One of the basic principles in the medical world is that "there is no disease, only the patient". The underlying causes of obesity should be evaluated in each person and treatment plans should be made accordingly. In my next article, I will talk about nutritional mistakes that lead to obesity.
I wish you healthy days.
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