Hypothalamic Obesity

Hypothalamic obesity is weight gain caused by damage to the hypothalamus, the brain control centre for hunger and metabolism. It can occur after brain surgery, radiation, or injury, and causes relentless hunger that does not respond to normal fullness signals.

Hypothalamic obesity results from disruption of the ventromedial hypothalamus and arcuate nucleus, impairing leptin and insulin signalling pathways that regulate energy homeostasis. It is characterised by hyperphagia, reduced sympathetic nervous system activity, hyperinsulinaemia, and decreased energy expenditure despite adequate caloric intake.

This rare but challenging condition requires specialist management beyond standard diet and exercise. Accord Medical comprehensive approach addresses the unique hormonal and neurological factors driving weight gain in hypothalamic obesity patients.