What is Cushing syndrome? How is it different from obesity?

Hyderabad: Cushing syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism, is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The two most common causes of Cushing syndrome are continuous intake of corticosteroid medications or overproduction of cortisol by the human body itself.

The symptoms include weight gain, particularly in the face, between shoulders and abdomen, skin issues, muscle and bone effects among other problems like emotional changes and high blood pressure (BP). Lack of treatment can lead to complications like type 2 diabetes, bone loss, and cardiovascular diseases.

Most of the symptoms of Cushing syndrome share several similarities with obesity, particularly in their physical manifestations and metabolic effects. However, an individual has to obtain expert advice to confirm the condition and undergo adequate treatment to overcome the problem.

Primary causes for Cushing syndrome

People easily get misled by the increase in body weight with obesity, without checking the possibility of the presence of Cushing syndrome. The primary causes for Cushing syndrome and obesity are different despite the similar symptoms.

Dr. G Sandeep Reddy, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar said, “The two major causes for Cushing syndrome are endogenous and exogenous. Overproduction of cortisol due to pituitary tumors (Cushing disease), adrenal tumors, or ectopic ACTH-producing tumors are called endogenous, and long-term use of corticosteroid medications for conditions like asthma or arthritis are categorized as exogenous causes”.

Symptoms of Cushing syndrome

The common symptoms are categorized as physical, skin-related, muscles and bones, and emotional changes.

Dr Sandeep Reddy said, “Physical changes like weight gain, particularly in the abdomen, face (moon face), and upper back (buffalo hump) happens in an individual. Further, skin issues lead to purple or pink stretch marks, thinning skin, and slow wound healing are other symptoms”.

Those suffering from Cushing syndrome can have muscle and bone effects causing weakness, fatigue, and bone loss.

“Emotional and cognitive changes including anxiety, depression, irritability, and memory problems can set in on individuals. They can have high BP, type 2 diabetes, and increased infections”, Dr Sandeep Reddy said.

Medications and surgery for Cushing syndrome

The experts are calling for required tests to confirm Cushing syndrome as several people considered to be suffering from metabolically unhealthy obesity can be suffering from Cushing syndrome.

Dr Sandeep Reddy said, “On confirming cushing syndrome adequate approach should be adopted for cure. Depending on the condition surgery for removal of tumors causing excess cortisol or medication to control cortisol production can be prescribed”.

In addition, lifestyle adjustments like managing stress and maintaining a healthy diet are suggested to control Cushing syndrome.

Difference between Cushing syndrome and obesity

Obesity is considered to be a complex medical condition, characterized by excessive body fat resulting in increased health risks. The major causes of obesity include a sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, and calorific imbalances.

Dr Sandeep Reddy said, “Weight gain is a common symptom for both the conditions and the weight or fat accumulated in the abdominal area (central obesity). But people with Cushing syndrome have distinct characteristics like moon face, fat deposits between shoulders, along central obesity. So people must be careful and take appropriate tests to confirm the condition”.