What Causes Hypothalamic Obesity?

Hypothalamic obesity can result from various factors that cause injury to the hypothalamus, including:

  • Brain tumors: Tumors such as craniopharyngiomas, germinomas, gliomas, hamartomas, and pituitary adenomas can affect the hypothalamus.

  • Surgical procedures: Operations to remove tumors near the hypothalamus may inadvertently damage this region.

  • Radiation therapy: Treatment for brain tumors can harm hypothalamic tissue.

  • Traumatic brain injuries: Head injuries can lead to hypothalamic damage.

  • Infections or inflammation: Conditions causing brain inflammation may affect the hypothalamus.