Hypothalamic injury induced obesity
A form of obesity caused by damage to the medial hypothalamic area of the brain.
The most frequent cause of hypothalamic injury-induced obesity is due to a rare, non-malignant tumor referred to as a craniopharyngioma. The removal of this tumor can result in damage to the hypothalamus, resulting in symptoms consistent with hypothalamic obesity. Other potential causes of hypothalamic obesity include other rare tumors, head injury, and brain edema.
Patients with hypothalamic injury-induced obesity exhibit many similar symptoms as those with Prader-Willi Syndrome, including hyperphagia, rapid weight gain, decreased metabolic rate, and reduced physical activity. Neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, apathy, and OCD, are also commonly observed in individuals with hypothalamic injury-induced obesity.
A comprehensive review of hypothalamic injury-induced obesity can be found here. The Raymond A. Wood Foundation offers support for enhancing the quality of life for survivors of childhood brain tumors and their families.
For further information on hypothalamic injury-induced obesity, we recommend visiting the National Institutes of Health Genetics and Rare Diseases (NIH GARD) website.
