Obesity in childhood is a growing concern in the United States and beyond. While lifestyle factors are responsible for most cases of weight gain in children, hormone-related conditions may also be a cause.
Obesity in childhood is defined as a body mass index at or above the
Lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity are considered the primary cause of weight gain in children. However, secondary causes — like endocrine disorders — may also lead to obesity in some cases.
The endocrine system sends messages throughout the body by secreting hormones into the blood. When these hormones are disrupted, they may lead to a variety of symptoms and health conditions, including weight gain.
There are various hormones that may contribute to developing obesity over time.
Thyroid hormone
Weight gain is a hallmark symptom of hypothyroidism. This condition is the result of the thyroid gland in the next producing too little thyroid hormone (T4).
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- slow growth (height)
- delayed puberty
- weight gain
- fatigue
- dry skin
- depression
Cortisol
In
Symptoms of Cushing syndrome include:
- slowed growth
- weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
- hypertension
Growth hormone
The pituitary gland produces growth hormone. When not enough of this hormone is excreted into the blood, a child may develop growth hormone deficiency and related weight gain.
Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency include:
- low energy levels
- weakness
- osteoporosis (later in life)
Sex hormones
Hypogonadism is a condition caused by issues with testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, or pituitary hormones.
Symptoms of hypogonadism include:
- slow growth
- delayed puberty
- obesity
- delayed genital development
- low muscle mass
Parathyroid hormone
The inherited condition pseudohypoparathyroidism (type 1a) may lead to obesity. With this condition, the parathyroid gland produces enough parathyroid hormone, but the body’s metabolism is resistant to it.
There are many possible symptoms of pseudohypoparathyroidism (type 1a). More frequent symptoms include:
- round face
- short stature
- basal ganglia calcification (calcium buildup in the brain)
- brachydactyly
- cataract
- choroid plexus calcification
- constrictive median neuropathy
- delayed eruption of teeth
- depressed nasal bridge
- ectopic ossification (bone growth in places that don’t generally grow bone tissue)
- thin tooth enamel
- intellectual disability
- increased bone mineral density
- nystagmus
- obesity
- polyphagia
- short fingers
- short toes
- short neck
- thickened skull
Insulin
An insulinoma is a tumor on the pancreas that causes excessive amounts of the hormone insulin to flood the body. This condition may lead to hypoglycemia, excessive hunger, and — as a result — weight gain.
Symptoms of insulinoma include:
- anxiety
- sweating
- nausea
- excessive hunger
- weight gain
- confusion
Androgens
Male hormones like testosterone are also called androgens. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a female has an imbalance of androgens that leads to symptoms like skipped periods and weight retention.
Symptoms of PCOS include:
- skipped menstrual periods or amenorrhea
- excess hair growth on the face, chest, etc.
- severe acne and oily skin
- weight gain, specifically around the waist
When hormonal balance is disrupted, the body’s signals for satiety (fullness) may be interrupted and lead to an increased appetite.
At the same time, hormonal imbalance can also slow or speed up metabolism, which is the rate at which the body burns energy. A slow metabolism means that the body may not quickly use any excess calories coming in, leading to those calories accumulating as fat.
Hormones also regulate where fat accumulates in the body. Any excess fat stores produce yet another hormone called leptin, a hormone that normally
Hormone levels can be tested with a simple blood test. Your doctor will use your child’s medical history, symptoms, and suspected diagnosis to determine which hormones to test for in the blood sample.
Additional testing may include:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Some hormone conditions can be treated by supplementing the missing hormones via injection or oral medication. Others may require surgery or other treatment to address issues like tumors or injuries that are causing hormone imbalances.
Once the root condition is treated, lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of physical activity may encourage weight loss. Your doctor may also refer you to a dietitian to create a dietary and physical activity program that works best for your child.
Again, hormonally caused obesity is considered
Treating the underlying hormone issue may help a child lose weight and avoid obesity-related complications like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Speak with your doctor if you have concerns about your child’s weight. Be sure to take note of any other symptoms your child may be experiencing like slow growth, tiredness, or delayed puberty.
Weight gain and obesity in children are
