WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Skip to content
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors
Font Size
A
A
A

Medical Causes of Obesity

Usually obesity is the result of overeating, but in a small percentage of cases excess weight gain is a symptom of another disease.

Medical causes of obesity can include:

  • Hypothyroidism. This is a condition where the thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces too little thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone regulates our metabolism. So too little hormone slows the metabolism and often causes weight gain. If your doctor suspects thyroid disease as a cause of your obesity, he or she may perform blood tests to check your hormone levels.
  • Cushing's syndrome. This condition results when the adrenal glands (located on top of each kidney) produce an excess amount of a steroid hormone called cortisol. This leads to a build-up of fat in characteristic sites such as the face, upper back, and abdomen.
  • Depression. Some people with depression overeat, which can lead to obesity.

There are also certain inherited conditions and other diseases of the brain that can cause excess weight gain.

Certain medications, notably steroids, some antidepressants, and high blood pressure drugs, and seizure medications can also cause increased body weight.

A doctor can determine if any of these conditions are responsible for your obesity.

 

 

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

Reviewed by Jonathan L Gelfand, MD on February 11, 2008
webMD Video

click to show or hide video description  When Are Extra Pounds a Danger?

Bernstein Video Thumbnail

Jonathan Sackner Bernstein, MD, talks about when being overweight becomes a health problem.

Watch Video

click to show or hide video description  Drink Your Way To Weight Loss

click to show or hide video description  Lose Weight By Surfing the Web

click to show or hide video description  Fast-Food Survival

click to show or hide video description  Protein Diet Done Right

Most Popular Stories