ABSTRACT
Several approaches have been proposed to classify obesity. Weight and height also can be related by various other ratios such as weight divided by height, weight divided by the cube root of height (ponderal index), or weight divided by height to some power. Obesity or fatness can be measured by a number of techniques. In addition to measurements of body fatness, regional fat distribution also plays an important role in health risks. Cushing’s disease results from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas, from ectopic production of ACTH or corticotropin-releasing hormone, or from adrenal tumors which hypersecrete cortisol. The syndrome of polycystic ovaries was originally described in 1844 as sclerocsystic ovaries. Hypogonadism is associated with reduced gonadal steroid hormone production and with increased body fat in both males and females. Growth hormone deficiency is likewise associated with increased subcutaneous adipose tissue deposition. Insulin treatment has been noted to increase body fat.
