The weirder side of obesity: genetic forms of obesity are rare yet numerous

By Susan Scutti, CNN

Updated 1446 GMT (2246 HKT) March 27, 2017

Are you sure those extra pounds are caused by a lack of willpower, or could there be an underlying medical issue?
Photos: Hidden medical causes of weight gain
Are you sure those extra pounds are caused by a lack of willpower, or could there be an underlying medical issue?
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The stress hormone cortisol regulates appetite, body composition and metabolism. Studies show that prolonged exposure to stress is related to high body mass and obesity. <br />It's hard to beat a stress habit, but experts suggest trying to choose better coping habits than comfort food. Look to yoga, medication, deep breathing and mindfulness exercises.
Photos: Hidden medical causes of weight gain
The stress hormone cortisol regulates appetite, body composition and metabolism. Studies show that prolonged exposure to stress is related to high body mass and obesity.
It's hard to beat a stress habit, but experts suggest trying to choose better coping habits than comfort food. Look to yoga, medication, deep breathing and mindfulness exercises.
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The culprit for your recent weight gain could be hiding in your medication cabinet. A variety of medications are frequently associated with weight gain, most notoriously antidepressants. Be sure to read up on side effects and discuss options with your psychiatrist.
Photos: Hidden medical causes of weight gain
The culprit for your recent weight gain could be hiding in your medication cabinet. A variety of medications are frequently associated with weight gain, most notoriously antidepressants. Be sure to read up on side effects and discuss options with your psychiatrist.
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Ovarian cancer is a rare but deadly reason for a bloated belly. It usually goes along with other <a href="http://www.bmj.com/content/339/bmj.b2998" target="_blank">telltale signs </a>such as abdominal pain, urinary frequency, postmenopausal and anal bleeding, and a loss of appetite. So if you've suddenly developed abdominal distension in the past few months and have any of these other symptoms, see a doctor immediately. And don't rely on the results of your Pap test; that's effective only in the early detection of cervical cancer.
Photos: Hidden medical causes of weight gain
Ovarian cancer is a rare but deadly reason for a bloated belly. It usually goes along with other telltale signs such as abdominal pain, urinary frequency, postmenopausal and anal bleeding, and a loss of appetite. So if you've suddenly developed abdominal distension in the past few months and have any of these other symptoms, see a doctor immediately. And don't rely on the results of your Pap test; that's effective only in the early detection of cervical cancer.
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