Cushing's Syndrome
A hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels, leading to rapid central weight gain.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Cushing's syndrome occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol for a prolonged period. This can cause rapid weight gain, particularly in the face, abdomen, and upper back, along with thinning arms and legs. It may be caused by long-term steroid medication use or, more rarely, a tumour affecting the adrenal or pituitary glands.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Cushing's syndrome is a disorder of chronic glucocorticoid excess, either exogenous (iatrogenic, from long-term corticosteroid therapy) or endogenous (ACTH-dependent or ACTH-independent). Cortisol excess promotes central adiposity through increased lipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation in visceral depots, while inducing muscle wasting via proteolysis. Characteristic features include moon facies, dorsocervical fat pad, abdominal striae, and proximal myopathy. Diagnosis requires confirmation of hypercortisolism via 24-hour urinary free cortisol, late-night salivary cortisol, or low-dose dexamethasone suppression test.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Weight gain from Cushing's syndrome does not respond to standard diet and exercise. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. Dr. Joseph Wang includes endocrine evaluation as part of a comprehensive medical approach to unexplained weight gain.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
