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Sub-Category:

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Number of Conditions: 1

Obesity (Endocrine-Related)

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Metabolic Disorders

Sub-category: Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Symptoms:
excessive body fat; difficulty losing weight; fatigue; shortness of breath; joint pain; snoring or sleep apnea; insulin resistance

Root Cause:
Chronic imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure influenced by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, including abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, leptin resistance, and insulin dysregulation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on BMI ≥30 kg/m², waist circumference, body fat percentage, and associated comorbidities (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension). Blood tests may assess insulin resistance, lipid profile, thyroid function, and cortisol levels.

Treatment:
Lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise), behavior modification programs, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery for severe cases. Treatment plans are personalized based on comorbid conditions and underlying factors.

Medications:
Medications prescribed for obesity include orlistat (lipase inhibitor), liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist), and semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist). Other options may include phentermine-topiramate (appetite suppressant) or naltrexone-bupropion (combination therapy for appetite and reward system modulation).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Over 1 billion adults worldwide are affected; the prevalence is rising globally due to sedentary lifestyles and high-calorie diets.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, sedentary lifestyle, high-calorie diet, hormonal disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome), certain medications (e.g., antipsychotics, corticosteroids), and socioeconomic factors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate intervention, weight loss and risk reduction for comorbid conditions are achievable. Long-term success depends on adherence to lifestyle and treatment plans.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), certain cancers, and reduced life expectancy.