Pathomechanisms of the development of obesity in some endocrinopathies — an overview

Abstract

Obesity is a disease in which the excess of accumulated body fat has an adverse effect on health and consequently leads to a reduced life expectancy. It is a typical ‘disease of civilisation’, and is a serious public health problem because of a significant increase in its prevalance. It is also a common symptom in a variety of endocrine disorders, but the factors responsible for the development of obesity in endocrinopathies have not been clearly identified. It is not known whether a common factor responsible for the development of obesity occurs in a number of endocrine diseases. On the other hand, adipose tissue is an important endocrine organ producing biologically active substances with local or systemic action that can lead to severe disorders of the endocrine system. This study presents data on the mechanisms of the development of obesity in the thyroid diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypercortisolism and pituitary insufficiency. (Endokrynol Pol 2013; 64 (2): 150–155)