Identifying patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity (HO)
A clinical diagnosis of acquired HO is defined by weight gain due to hypothalamic injury1
Causes of hypothalamic injury may include, but are not limited to hypothalamic-pituitary tumors and/or their treatment, traumatic brain injury, hypothalamic inflammation, and stroke.2
Hypothalamic injury
Injury to the hypothalamic-pituitary region commonly results in hypothalamic dysfunction, which may result in one or more of the following3:
- Hypothalamic-pituitary hormonal deficiency
- Weight gain
Other manifestations of hypothalamic dysfunction may include, but are not limited to3,4:
- Hyperphagia or increased hunger
- Decreased physical activity
- Behavioral dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Temperature dysregulation
Weight gain
Weight gain associated with acquired HO4:
- May be accelerated and/or sustained
- Can occur despite caloric restriction and/or increased physical activity
Within the first 3 months post-injury, early, mild, and transient weight gain is common due to titration of hormone and/or steroid therapy.1,5
Once these therapies are stabilized, sustained weight gain is indicative of acquired HO.1,5
The link: MC4R pathway impairment
Injury to the hypothalamus leads to weight gain when the MC4R pathway, a key hormonal pathway that regulates energy balance, is impaired.6,7
Identifying patients with acquired HO is critical to optimize management of their disease5
Diagnosis of acquired HO should be considered in patients with5:
History of hypothalamic injury
Evidence of hypothalamic dysfunction
Weight gain or obesity
A Rhythm representative can share resources and information about diagnosing acquired HO.
Learn more about how IMCIVREE helps provide a foundation for long-term treatment of acquired HO.6,7