Acquired hypothalamic obesity
Acquired HO
Actor portrayal
Acquired hypothalamic obesity is a unique form of obesity caused by injury to the hypothalamus1-4
Acquired hypothalamic obesity (HO) is characterized by accelerated and sustained weight gain.1–4
Healthy Hypothalamus5,6
The hypothalamus plays a key role in many diverse functions, including regulating:
Satiety and hunger
Energy expenditure
Body weight
Patients with injury to the hypothalamus experience a variety of health concerns, one of which is acquired HO.5,6
Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity5,6
Unlike general obesity, acquired HO is characterized by distinct factors that can contribute to weight gain:
Hyperphagia
Decreased energy expenditure
Accelerated, sustained
weight gain
Differences in type, location, and extent of hypothalamic injury may result in variable time to onset and progression of weight gain.5,7
While HO can be congenital or acquired, more than 80% of cases are acquired.8
Questions about acquired hypothalamic obesity?
Causes of acquired HO
Known Common Causes8:
- Brain tumors, including craniopharyngioma, astrocytoma, and macroadenoma of the pituitary
- Brain tumor treatment, including surgical resection and radiotherapy
Other Causes8:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
- Disorders that cause inflammation to the hypothalamus
Know who is at risk—acquired HO occurs in up to 75% of patients with craniopharyngioma following treatment.9
Mechanism of disease
Acquired HO has an underlying pathophysiology that distinguishes it from general obesity.1,2,4
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) pathway regulates hunger, satiety, and energy balance.10–12
Injury to the hypothalamus can disrupt MC4R pathway signaling, ultimately
leading to accelerated and sustained weight gain.13,14
POMC=Proopiomelanocortin