Weight gain is extremely common and the most frequent cause is simple obesity. Excessive weight gain itself has deleterious effects on general health. With the exception of simple obesity and pregnancy, other conditions account for less than 1% of patients presenting with weight gain. Enquire about the possibility of pregnancy and any changes in dietary habits that may result in simple weight gain. Rapid weight gain is often secondary to increased fluid, as opposed to an increase in dry weight. A drug history is taken to exclude the use of anabolic steroids and growth hormone, especially in body builders. Enquire about a family history, diet and amount of activity in relation to simple obesity. Patients with Cushing’s syndrome present with moon face, ‘buffalo hump’ (deposits of fat on the back of neck and shoulders), hair growth, acne, abdominal striae, muscle weakness, back pain, amenorrhoea, thin skin, bruising and depression. A drug history should be taken to exclude exogenous corticosteroids as the cause.
Weight Gain
Causes
History
General
Cushing’s syndrome
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