Hypothalamic Obesity
Weight gain caused by damage to the hypothalamus, the brain's hunger control centre, leading to relentless appetite and metabolic disruption.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Hypothalamic obesity is weight gain caused by damage to the hypothalamus, the brain control centre for hunger and metabolism. It can occur after brain surgery, radiation, or injury, and causes relentless hunger that does not respond to normal fullness signals.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Hypothalamic obesity results from disruption of the ventromedial hypothalamus and arcuate nucleus, impairing leptin and insulin signalling pathways that regulate energy homeostasis. It is characterised by hyperphagia, reduced sympathetic nervous system activity, hyperinsulinaemia, and decreased energy expenditure despite adequate caloric intake.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
This rare but challenging condition requires specialist management beyond standard diet and exercise. Accord Medical comprehensive approach addresses the unique hormonal and neurological factors driving weight gain in hypothalamic obesity patients.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.