Obesity and Weight Loss
Obesity is a medical condition that is associated with having an excess of body fat, defined by genetic and environmental factors. Being obese puts people at risk of a multitude of secondary conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
There are a wide range of causes from obesity, including an improper diet, lack of exercise, and several endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism.
Dr. Eiriny Eskander has experience diagnosing and treating endocrine diseases that could be contributing to obesity, and the skilled team at Diabetes & Endocrine Specialists can help you on the path to recovery.
Diagnosing Obesity
A person’s relative size is measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI). When an individual has a BMI of 30 or greater, they are classified as “obese.”
While many cases of obesity can be directly related to dietary and lifestyle choices, many people suffer with endocrine-related obesity. These conditions can be difficult for most general practitioners to diagnose, and often go overlooked and untreated. Two of the most common endocrine diseases that contribute to obesity are hypothyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the most common functional abnormality of the thyroid gland. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone. Obesity is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, as is fatigue, intolerance of cold, constipation, and joint and muscle pain.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body is exposed to an excess of the hormone cortisol. It is a rare and serious hormonal disorder, and is best treated by an experienced endocrinologist. Symptoms may include weight gain, flushing in the face, bruising easily, muscle weakness, and problems with memory and concentration.
Treating Obesity
The first and most important step toward treating obesity is determining if the disease is a symptom of an overlying endocrine disorder, or a result of external factors. Medical examinations will help specialists determine the cause and eventual treatment for each patient’s specific disorder.
If you suspect your obesity is endocrine related, we encourage you to reach out to Dr. Eiriny Eskander and the professionals at Diabetes & Endocrine Specialists. We will diagnose any endocrine disorders that may be contributing to your obesity, and work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that is right for you. Once we are sure that you do not have an endocrine abnormality causing obesity, we will work with you on a diet and exercise plan. Furthermore, some patients who meet criteria would benefit from FDA approved diet medications to aid in weight loss.
