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.