Overcoming the Stigma: Obesity Might Be Out of Your Control

Unfortunately, many people are not properly informed about what causes people to become obese or overweight, so there can be a stigma attached to those suffering from these conditions. They don’t realize that there are a lot of factors beyond a person’s control that can cause them to become overweight or obese. In order to educate people who are under the misconception that obesity is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, we have compiled information about major factors that contribute to obesity that are difficult to control. Many people become overweight or obese because they suffer from health problems such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of a certain hormone, which causes the metabolism to slow down. Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from some degree of hypothyroidism, and if left untreated it can cause symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, memory loss, weight gain and increased difficulty losing weight. When someone has hypothyroidism, especially if it is left untreated, it is much more likely for them to become overweight or obese.

Cushing’s Syndrome

This condition is generally caused by overuse of corticosteroid medications, and causes the adrenal gland to produce insufficient amounts of cortisol. This can cause many unpleasant symptoms including obesity and weight gain, especially around the midsection and face, thinning skin, acne, bone loss, depression and more. Like hypothyroidism, the sooner Cushing’s syndrome is treated the better, and if left untreated it becomes progressively worse.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, only occurs in women and is much harder to treat than the former two health conditions. This occurs when a women’s hormones are unbalanced, leading to cysts on the ovaries, trouble conceiving, acne, diabetes, weight gain, trouble losing weight and more. Genetics are thought to be a factor in PCOS, and although it is treatable symptoms may be so mild at first that a woman does not recognize the condition. The longer it goes untreated the worse it gets, and sometimes the weight gain is hard to overcome.

At Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute, we know how hard it can be for some people to lose weight. Health conditions often factor into weight gain and make it much more difficult to maintain a healthy body. If you think you suffer from any of the conditions described above, consult your doctor immediately. Ask your doctor if gastric bypass or bariatric surgery could be a good choice for you to jump-start your weight loss. We want to make your transition to a healthy body and lifestyle as easy and stress-free as possible. We have been helping our clients in Melbourne, Merritt Island and all of Brevard County lose weight quickly and safely for years. Contact us to set up a consultation with Dr. Diego Velarde, and we will discuss options to help you lose the extra weight once and for all.