What Are the Hormonal Causes of Childhood Obesity?

What Are the Hormonal Causes of Childhood Obesity?

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Obesity in childhood is a serious medical problem affecting both male and female kids and teenagers as well. Millions of children are affected by obesity worldwide. WHO announced that the percentage of overweight or obese children has dramatically increased to 18% over the past few decades. Obesity can be more than a cosmetic problem—it’s a serious health problem that puts your children at higher risk of acquiring chronic diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart problems. 

There are many causes of childhood obesity, where poor diet and inactivity are popularly known, while hormonal imbalance is also one of the major causes. In some children, childhood obesity may lead to depression and low self-esteem. Treating and preventing hormonal changes is the only way to protect your child from obesity and related health complications.

Symptoms of childhood obesity

Not every child with extra body weight is at risk of obesity. Some children have slightly larger body structures. Usually, the weight of children varies at different stages of their growth. So it might be hard to find out if your child is at risk of obesity. However, below are some symptoms that might indicate childhood obesity. 

• Excess body fat, especially around the belly
• Sudden excessive weight gain
• Hormonal imbalances may lead to the early stages of puberty
• Fatigue
• Anxiety, low self-esteem, and various other psychological symptoms

The body mass index (BMI) technique can be used as a guideline for measuring overweight and obesity. You can use growth charts to measure your child’s BMI at every stage and, if necessary, consult an expert doctor to figure out whether your child’s weight may cause health problems. 

Hormonal changes that can cause childhood obesity 

Lifestyle factors—being inactive, consuming fatty foods that contain more calories, and drinking sugary drinks—are the primary causes of childhood obesity. However, certain genetic and hormonal changes in the body might also impact it.

• Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes underactive and produces low thyroid hormones. This condition might slow down metabolism and increase the risk of weight gain. 
• Insulin resistance is another hormonal condition in which insulin levels in the bloodstream increase. This may lead to the body storing more fat. Often this may lead to type 2 diabetes in children.
• Cushing’s syndrome is a rare hormonal disorder in which the body produces too much cortisol. This condition plays an influential role in hormonal obesity. Weight gain is especially observed in the abdomen and upper back.
• Growth hormone deficiency in children can increase body fat and reduce muscle mass. This hormonal disorder not only increases the risk of obesity in children but also affects overall growth.
• The leptin hormone regulates hunger. In the case of leptin hormone resistance, your body might not be able to recognise when you are full, leading to overeating, which eventually results in weight gain.
• Insulinoma, a pancreatic tumor can also cause childhood obesity. It is a rare condition that leads to weight gain by reducing blood sugar levels and increasing hunger. 

The hormonal system in the body requires a highly sensitive balance. Hormonal imbalances may cause deficiencies or overproduction of several hormones that may increase body weight. Although hormonal imbalances cause childhood obesity, WHO says that energy imbalance, which means the amount of calories consumed to the amount of calories spent, is the leading cause of childhood obesity.

It means childhood obesity is increasing at the global level due to consuming foods high in fat and sugars but low in vitamins, minerals, and other healthy micronutrients. Furthermore, the levels of decreased physical activity also aid in childhood obesity induced by hormonal changes.

Treatment for hormonal causes of childhood obesity

Treatments for childhood obesity associated with hormonal conditions depend on specific causes. For certain hormonal conditions, oral medications or injections can help. If the hormonal changes are due to any tumor, they need to be removed surgically. Certain conditions, like hypothyroidism, might need supplementation for the rest of the life.

Let your child follow a diet plan rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and be physically active, which supports weight management and prevents further weight gain. 

If you have any concerns about your children’s rapid weight gain or other symptoms like tiredness, delayed puberty, etc. that are associated with hormonal disorders, talk to a doctor. Your child will be assessed for hormonal disorders that may contribute to obesity. A series of blood tests might be suggested to assess the hormonal levels. In some cases, especially with symptoms related to insulinoma, PCOS, or Cushing’s syndrome, doctors advise imaging scans to evaluate any growth-related hormonal problems.

Childhood obesity is a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and hormonal factors. If your child is obese or at risk of obesity, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best doctors for weight loss in Hyderabad. He has nearly two decades of experience and can help you with preventive measures. Call +91 91777 77715 to book an appointment. Early diagnosis and management of hormonal disorders is the key to your child’s future health and well-being.