From the Guidelines
The primary physical causes of morbid obesity include genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, and neurological factors, as identified in the most recent study on obesity in South and Southeast Asia 1.
Key Factors Contributing to Morbid Obesity
- Genetic predisposition: certain gene variants affect appetite regulation, metabolism, and fat storage
- Hormonal imbalances: issues such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome disrupt normal metabolic processes
- Metabolic disorders: leptin and ghrelin imbalances affect hunger and satiety signals, while insulin resistance causes the body to store more fat
- Neurological factors: involving the hypothalamus can disrupt appetite control mechanisms
Medical Conditions and Medications
- Certain medications like antipsychotics, antidepressants, steroids, and some diabetes medications can contribute to significant weight gain as a side effect
- Medical conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome and hypothalamic obesity are rare but direct causes of severe obesity
Importance of Understanding Physical Causes
Understanding these physical causes is essential because they often require specific medical interventions beyond lifestyle changes, potentially including hormone replacement therapy, medication adjustments, or in some cases, bariatric surgery to effectively address the underlying physiological mechanisms driving excessive weight gain, as supported by the American Gastroenterological Association's clinical practice guideline on pharmacological interventions for adults with obesity 1.
From the Research
Physical Cause of Morbid Obesity
The physical cause of morbid obesity is a complex issue, and research suggests that it is often the result of a long-term energy imbalance between consumed calories and expended calories 2. This imbalance can lead to an accumulation of excess body fat, which can have negative effects on health.
Factors Contributing to Morbid Obesity
Several factors can contribute to morbid obesity, including:
- Genetic factors 2
- Epigenetic factors 2
- Social and environmental factors 2, 3
- Microenvironment factors 2
- Diets with ultra-processed foods 3
- Decreased levels of physical activity 3
- Iatrogenic effects from commonly prescribed drugs with weight gain potential 3
- Environmental-genetic factors, such as genetic predisposition, epigenetics, and composition of the gut microbiome 3
Treatment Strategies
Treatment strategies for morbid obesity may include: