What tests are needed for obesity?

Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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 Han Ying
Endocrinology
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What department should obesity be treated in?

Obesity should be considered based on the specific situation. If the patient has uniform obesity, meaning that the limbs and torso are equally fat, then they should visit the nutrition department for guidance on dietary control, diet adjustments, and increased exercise. However, if the patient's obesity appears different, for example, if they have a very thick back, a larger belly, a red face, and acne, then I suggest they consult the endocrinology department because it might be related to Cushing's syndrome, which involves centripetal obesity.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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What diseases are easily contracted with obesity?

Obesity is most likely to affect the cardiovascular and endocrine metabolic systems. Obesity can easily lead to high blood sugar, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Over time, it can cause arteriosclerosis, leading to high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. At the same time, obesity can also cause some diseases of the digestive system, such as fatty liver, which is most common in obese individuals, leading to reduced liver function and increased transaminases. Additionally, obesity can lead to abnormal bone metabolism, making it easy to combine with osteoporosis.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Obesity is classified as a disease.

Obesity is a clinical syndrome characterized by a body mass index (BMI) exceeding normal levels. Generally, obesity with an unclear cause is called simple obesity, or primary obesity, while obesity with a known cause is called secondary obesity. In China, the standards for BMI are as follows: a normal BMI is below 24 kg/m². Being overweight is defined as having a BMI greater than 24 kg/m², mild obesity is greater than 26 kg/m², moderate obesity is greater than 28 kg/m², and severe obesity is greater than 30 kg/m². Therefore, obesity is a metabolic clinical syndrome.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
1min 27sec home-news-image

Causes of Obesity

In the medical field, obesity is categorized into two types: primary (simple) obesity and secondary obesity. Primary obesity occurs without any other physical diseases and is solely due to irregular lifestyle, unscientific eating habits, and lack of exercise, leading to weight gain. This type can be managed with lifestyle adjustments and proper dietary guidance to reduce weight. Secondary obesity, which is less common, often involves endocrine disorders such as Cushing's syndrome. This condition can arise from issues with the pituitary or adrenal glands, or other parts of the body such as tumors, leading to excessive secretion of cortisol. This in turn causes redistribution of body fat, leading to characteristic signs like moon face, buffalo hump, and accumulation of subcutaneous fat which are manifestations of obesity. Additionally, conditions like hypothyroidism can lead to myxedema, contributing to obesity, as well as drug-induced obesity. Examples include patients with nephrotic syndrome or lupus who experience weight gain from prolonged use of corticosteroids. Therefore, the causes are diverse and require differential diagnosis by a specialist based on the individual's condition.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
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What causes obesity?

Obesity, also known as adiposis, is a chronic metabolic disease caused by excessive accumulation of fat in the body or abnormal distribution of fat. The causes of obesity are numerous and complex. The exact cause is not clear, but it is believed to include a variety of factors such as genetics and environment, which interact with each other. From the perspective of genetic factors, the probability of developing obesity significantly increases. The second factor, the environment, mainly includes diet and physical activity. Long periods of sitting or lack of sports, and insufficient physical activity can lead to reduced energy expenditure. Poor dietary habits, such as overeating, a preference for sweets or greasy foods, can easily lead to obesity. Thirdly, it can be due to some genetic abnormalities. Fourth, obesity in childhood is also more likely to progress to adult obesity, with more than 50% of individuals who are obese after the age of six developing obesity in adulthood.