Obesity can cause which diseases

Written by Tang Zhuo

Endocrinology

Updated on September 03, 2024

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Firstly, obesity, also known as adiposity, is a chronic metabolic disease caused by excessive accumulation or abnormal distribution of body fat. Diseases closely related to obesity include cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, etc. Complications of obesity also include sleep apnea syndrome, venous thrombosis, and others. Moreover, the occurrence of malignant tumors increases with obesity, as prolonged obesity can lead to skin folds that are prone to abrasions and subsequent fungal or purulent infections.

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Written by Li Lang Bo

Endocrinology

48sec

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What tests are needed for obesity?

Obesity is divided into simple obesity and secondary obesity. Simple obesity refers simply to being overweight without any other primary diseases. Secondary obesity requires examination of certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism, which can lead to obesity, thus necessitating thyroid function tests; or Cushing's syndrome, which involves increased body weight due to excessive corticosteroid hormones produced by various causes, necessitating an examination of the cortisol rhythm and sometimes a dexamethasone suppression test, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary, and CT scan of the adrenal glands; also conditions such as depression or psychiatric illnesses that can lead to weight gain, requiring corresponding psychiatric scales, among others. In addition to these tests, it is also necessary to consider the patient's clinical symptoms and then conduct targeted examinations based on these symptoms.

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Written by Luo Juan

Endocrinology

1min

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What department should I register for obesity?

For obesity, one should register for an appointment in the endocrinology department. Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease caused by excessive accumulation or abnormal distribution of body fat. Obesity often occurs due to a higher calorie intake than expenditure in the body, resulting in excessive fat accumulation and thus overweight and bulky physique. An actual weight measurement exceeding 20% of the standard weight, and a fat percentage exceeding 30% can be classified as obesity. In endocrinology, obesity is generally divided into primary and secondary types. Some secondary factors, such as hypothalamic-pituitary disorders, hypercortisolism, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, insulinomas, etc., can cause secondary obesity, therefore, it is appropriate to consult the endocrinology department for obesity.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun

Endocrinology

1min 4sec

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Can people with obesity do yoga?

Overall, individuals with obesity can still practice yoga, as obesity is a condition of nutritional excess and yoga is an aerobic exercise that can increase metabolic rate in the body, achieving a weight loss effect. However, there are many causes of obesity. Primarily, there is simple obesity, for which yoga can be helpful and can reduce body weight. If obesity is secondary, particularly induced by excessive use of steroids and conditions like Cushing's syndrome, yoga can be an appropriate form of exercise, but it is crucial to address the root cause. If the obesity is due to nodules on the adrenal gland, further surgical treatment might be necessary. Therefore, whether individuals with obesity can practice yoga also depends on their physical strength and other personal health conditions, including heart, liver, and kidney functions.

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Written by Yang Li

Endocrinology

1min 6sec

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Harms of Obesity

In the case of obesity, it is first necessary to distinguish between physiological obesity and pathological obesity. For pathological obesity, further examination of the adrenal glands is required, such as respiratory syndrome, some problems with the pituitary gland, or conditions caused by Cushing's syndrome, all of which can lead to pathological obesity. The risks associated with obesity are quite significant. Firstly, it directly causes disturbances in the body's energy metabolism, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or other issues. Obesity can also lead to fatty liver, lipid deposition in the heart, kidneys, and other organs, resulting in corresponding organ damage. Additionally, it can cause infertility due to the deposition of fat in the ovaries, and in terms of joints, it places excessive load on the human joints, leading to various joint diseases, and consequently increasing the risks of cardiovascular diseases and sudden death risks.

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Written by Luo Juan

Endocrinology

1min 3sec

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How is obesity treated?

Regarding the treatment of obesity, the cause of obesity must first be identified. For patients with simple obesity, the primary approach involves lifestyle interventions, including exercise and diet. The diet should involve a calculation of caloric intake based on activity levels, generally focusing on a low-calorie or very low-calorie intake. Additionally, it is recommended to engage in suitable aerobic exercises. Currently, there are products available such as fat enzyme inhibitors that reduce weight by inhibiting the absorption of fats in the intestines. Also, in the United States, GLP-1 agonists are available for the treatment of simple obesity. If obesity is caused by certain medical conditions, such as an endocrine disorder known as Cushing's syndrome, which can also lead to obesity, treatment should first address the primary disease, which would also resolve the obesity.