Secondary Causes of Obesity

A question and answer advisory regarding whether when it is appropriate to perform a workup for secondary causes of obesity is presented. Here, Allen and Safranek articulate that secondary causes of obesity can be detected by obtaining a patient history and performing a physical examination. There is little evidence about secondary causes of obesity in adults. The Expert Committee Recommendations Regarding the Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity support evaluation for rare causes of secondary obesity based on patient history and physical examination. The committee recommends a workup for a prospective cohort study if there are infrequent menses, hirsutism, or excessive acne. Thyroid function tests are not necessary in children with normal linear growth and no other symptoms of hypothyroidism.