Obesity and the endocrine system, part I: Pathogenesis of weight gain in endocrine and metabolic disorders

Abstract

Certain endocrine and metabolic disorders cause mild to moderate weight gain and fat deposition. Excess fat storage in turn can have profound effects on intermediary metabolism and endocrine function. In this chapter, I present a brief discussion of the pathogenesis of adiposity and weight gain in various disorders of endocrine and metabolic function. In the companion chapter ("Obesity and the Endocrine System Part II"), I review the effects of obesity on linear growth and bone maturation, thyroid function, sexual development, adrenal function, calcium homeostasis, and bone mineralization. Subsequent chapters in this volume discuss the implications of obesity for insulin production and action and the regulation of glucose tolerance, blood pressure, lipid metabolism, atherogenesis, sleep hygiene, and hepatic, renal, and neurologic function.