Obesity can be rooted in medical problems

Date published: 6/17/2008

BY JORDAN MASSEY

In today's society, many people blame individuals for their obesity when, truly, some people have serious conditions in which they may gain weight or not be able to lose it as easily as others. Two examples would be hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome.

One very common problem is an under-active thyroid. This can cause massive weight gain, and the inability to lose the weight. Hypothyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland doesn't create enough thyroid hormones. It severely slows the body's metabolism, which causes weight gain and fatigue. Your thyroid secretes two hormones that, together, regulate your body's metabolism--so it is very important to your body's metabolic rate. The reverse can occur if the thyroid produces too much of the hormones.

Another disease related to weight gain is Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of tissue to the hormone cortisol. Not only does it cause excessive weight gain, but it can also cause severe fatigue, weak muscles and high blood pressure. Irritability, anxiety, and depression are common, as well. Women experience excessive hair growth along with these other symptoms.

There are many other diseases linked to weight gain, such as organ disease, prescription-drug use, anxiety, blood sugar imbalance and essential fatty acid deficiencies. People everywhere are living with these imbalances and trying to cope with being obese.

Hopefully people will take this into consideration before they decide to exclude someone because of their size. It's a horrible thing to do to someone and nobody deserves to be treated like that.

Jordan Massey is a rising freshman at Spotsylvania High School.

Date published: 6/17/2008