World Health Organization data shows that in 2016, over 39% of men and 40% of women over the age of 18 were overweight. This is 1.9 billion people, of whom 650 million are obese. Extra pounds are not always the result of overeating or lack of physical activity. Sometimes the reason for obesity lies in certain diseases like the five that we will look at today.
1. Prolactinoma
The hormone prolactin regulates the reproductive function. It’s responsible for transmitting the necessary nutrients to the child during pregnancy. If the pituitary gland produces excess prolactin, it may lead to benign tumors. To diagnose such a disease, a hormone blood test should be done as soon as possible.
Characteristic signs are pathological secretion of milk (not related to childbirth) and irregular menstruation in women. In men, this disease lowers libido, impairs consciousness and vision, and causes headaches. Both sexes gain extra pounds and can’t lose weight at all. Fortunately, prolactinoma is treatable.
2. Type 2 diabetes
Unlike in type 1 diabetes, with type 2 the pancreas produces enough insulin but the receptors don’t respond to it properly and the insulin simply doesn’t get absorbed. As a result, this hormone accumulates and causes obesity.
The danger of this type of diabetes is that it can only be detected with the help of a blood test. The typical diabetic symptoms such as severe thirst and excessive urination may not be present. But if you experience significant weight gain and at the same time itchy skin, this can be a manifestation of diabetes.
3. Hypothyroidism
A prolonged lack of thyroid hormones slows down our metabolism. At first, hypothyroidism is easily confused with overwork since it has symptoms such as drowsiness, lethargy, and loss of energy.
Primary care physicians warn that in the presence of swollen and dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, nausea, and constipation are sure signs of hypothyroidism. The disease is also accompanied by low metabolism, poor intestinal function, and rapid weight gain. People with hypothyroidism have a hard time losing weight.
4. Insulinoma
If type 2 diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), in the case of insulinoma, everything is exactly the opposite. This is a pancreatic neoplasm that severely lowers blood sugar and leads to hypoglycemia. It also provokes constant hunger.
If a person with insulinoma doesn’t satisfy their hunger, the following symptoms appear:
- Tremors
- Rapid heart rate
- Speech and behavior problems
- Faintings
A hypoglycemic attack is a dangerous condition and therefore the body instinctively gives signals about hunger. It’s not hard to figure out that this leads to weight gain. If you noticed that you have a lot of uncontrolled urges to snack, you should consult your doctor.
5. Stress and Depression
What is cortisol and what does the body need it for? This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands and regulates carbohydrate metabolism and is responsible for preserving energy resources during stress.
Chronic stress provokes a constant production of cortisol and adrenaline. In this situation, cortisol will inevitably be integrated into the metabolism, preserving resources in the form of fat. And if your body experiences this against the background of fatigue, insomnia, apathy, it’s possible you are suffering from depression. Actually, this a serious disease and only a specialist can help you cope with it.
