Hyperphagia and Obesity

The physical and emotional burden of hyperphagia and obesity

Acquired HO carries significant, long-term burden for people living with hypothalamic injury^1,2

Accelerated, sustained weight gain and hyperphagia are two key symptoms that distinguish acquired hypothalamic obesity (HO) from more general forms of obesity.^3–6

Actor portrayals

Acquired HO can result in:

Physical burden^2,7

Significant burden on patients’ and caregivers' day-to-day lives:

Hyperphagia
Chronic fatigue
Decreased physical activity
Weight gain, even in the absence of increased caloric intake

Emotional burden^2,7

Distressing emotional and social challenges for patients:

Frustration due to difficulty losing weight
Poor body image perceptions
Fewer positive social interactions
Negative impact on mental health

Burden of hyperphagia

Hyperphagia is a chronic pathological condition characterized by insatiable hunger, impaired satiety, and persistent abnormal food-seeking behaviors. It is differentiated from other hunger associated with overeating by its severity and persistence.⁸

Hyperphagia contributes significantly to patient and caregiver burden in acquired HO^2,9

Mean Burden Scores (ZBI) Reported by Caregivers of Craniopharyngioma Patients^7,*

30.3

For Caregivers of Patients without hyperphagia (SD: 16.7, n=38)

41.1

For Caregivers of Patients with hyperphagia (SD: 12.8, n=44)

For reference, ZBI scores of
23.7 for cancer caregivers and 36.8 for Alzheimer's disease
caregivers have been reported¹⁰

23.7

36.8

ZBI score

*Based on 82 self-identified caregivers of hypothalamic-pituitary brain tumor survivors responding in an online survey to the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), which assesses the perceived burden experienced by caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities; a higher score indicates a greater level of caregiver burden.⁷

Around 70% of patients with acquired HO experience hyperphagia, though the presentation of symptoms and behaviors can vary in severity.^7,11

“Food ruled my life and still does to a certain degree…it’s a lot of grief and struggle in my everyday life.”

– Individual living with acquired HO

Downloadable

Identify hyperphagia in your patients with an injury to the hypothalamus.

Hyperphagia Questionnaire

Burden of obesity

Acquired HO is a major risk factor for related morbidity and mortality^1,12

Long-term Effects of Obesity-related Sequelae in Craniopharyngioma Survivors^13-15

52%

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease

46%

Sleep apnea

43%

Dyslipidemia

40%

Hypertension

34%

Glycemic disturbance

22%

Cardiovascular disease

The physical and emotional burden of hyperphagia and obesity

Acquired HO carries significant, long-term burden for people living with hypothalamic injury1,2

Accelerated, sustained weight gain and hyperphagia are two key symptoms that distinguish acquired hypothalamic obesity (HO) from more general forms of obesity.3–6

Acquired HO can result in:

Physical burden2,7

Emotional burden2,7

Burden of hyperphagia

Hyperphagia contributes significantly to patient and caregiver burden in acquired HO2,9

Mean Burden Scores (ZBI) Reported by Caregivers of Craniopharyngioma Patients7,*