Weight Gain: Clinical Meaning

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. This slows metabolism and causes fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and depression. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause.

Depression

Depression is a common and serious mood disorder causing persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and handles daily activities. Effective treatments include therapy and medication.

Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It is a chronic condition that causes fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention (edema). It requires ongoing medical management.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, causing irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. It is associated with insulin resistance and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD is the accumulation of fat in liver cells not caused by alcohol, affecting up to 25% of adults globally. It ranges from simple steatosis to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), which can progress to cirrhosis; lifestyle modification is the primary treatment.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a metabolic state where blood glucose levels are elevated above normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. It affects over 400 million people globally and can progress to type 2 diabetes without lifestyle intervention.

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome results from prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels, causing central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, skin thinning, and hypertension. The most common cause is exogenous corticosteroid use; endogenous causes include pituitary or adrenal tumors.

Pituitary Adenoma

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors of the pituitary gland that can cause hormonal excess (functioning) or compressive symptoms (headache, visual field defects). Prolactinomas are the most common type; treatment includes medication, surgery, or radiation.

Testosterone Deficiency (Low T)

Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) in men causes fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, mood changes, and loss of muscle mass. Causes include aging, pituitary disorders, and testicular disease; hormone replacement therapy is the primary treatment.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions (abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides) that together significantly increase cardiovascular and diabetes risk. Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone of management.

Obesity

Obesity is defined as a BMI above 30 and is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and certain cancers. It results from a complex interaction of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.

Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria (>3.5g/day), hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hyperlipidemia. Causes include minimal change disease (children), membranous nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy; steroids and immunosuppressants are used.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (purging, laxative use, excessive exercise). Dental erosion, electrolyte abnormalities, and esophageal damage are common complications; CBT is first-line treatment.

Menopause

Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles after 12 consecutive months without a period, typically in women's late 40s to early 50s. Significant hormonal changes cause wide-ranging symptoms.

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine deficiency is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability worldwide. The thyroid requires iodine to produce hormones; deficiency leads to hypothyroidism and goiter.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

NAFLD is excessive fat buildup in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. It ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with inflammation and fibrosis.