Abstract
Hypothalamic obesity represents a rare diagnosis applicable to only a small subset of obese patients. It is important to identify, diagnose, and treat these patients. This article reviews the physiology of the hypothalamus, focusing on its role in regulation of hunger, feeding, and metabolism. The causes of hypothalamic obesity are discussed including genetic, anatomic, and iatrogenic etiologies. The complex hormonal environment leading to obesity is explored for each etiology and treatment strategies are discussed. Reproductive consequences are also reviewed.
MeSH terms
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Appetite / physiology
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Appetite Depressants / therapeutic use
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Bariatric Surgery
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Craniopharyngioma / complications
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Craniopharyngioma / surgery
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Energy Metabolism / physiology
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Feeding Behavior / drug effects
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Feeding Behavior / physiology
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Humans
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Hyperphagia / etiology
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Hyperphagia / physiopathology
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Hypogonadism / etiology
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Hypogonadism / physiopathology
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Hypothalamic Diseases / complications*
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Hypothalamic Diseases / diagnosis
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Hypothalamic Diseases / genetics
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Hypothalamic Diseases / physiopathology
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Hypothalamic Diseases / surgery
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Hypothalamic Hormones / physiology
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Hypothalamus / injuries
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Hypothalamus / physiopathology*
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Iatrogenic Disease
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Infertility / etiology
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Infertility / physiopathology
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Leptin / deficiency
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Leptin / genetics
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Leptin / physiology
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / deficiency
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology
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Obesity / etiology*
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Obesity / genetics
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Obesity / physiopathology
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Obesity / surgery
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Pituitary Neoplasms / complications
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Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
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Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin / deficiency
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin / genetics
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin / physiology
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Puberty, Delayed / etiology
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Puberty, Delayed / physiopathology
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Receptors, Leptin / deficiency
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Receptors, Leptin / genetics
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Receptors, Leptin / physiology
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Receptors, Melanocortin / deficiency
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Receptors, Melanocortin / genetics
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Receptors, Melanocortin / physiology
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Sedentary Behavior
Substances
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Appetite Depressants
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Hypothalamic Hormones
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Leptin
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Receptors, Leptin
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Receptors, Melanocortin
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cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript protein
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin