Truncal obesity corresponds to the male fat distribution pattern in obesity and is characterized primarily by visceral fat deposits. The causes of truncal obesity may consist of hormonal and genetic factors in addition to lack of exercise and poor eating habits. Treatment depends on the primary cause.
What is truncal obesity?
The abdominal body region includes the trunk area between the pelvis and chest. This region tends to store fats. Obese fat storage with an abdominal focus is also called truncal obesity. Truncal obesity is a variant of obesity. As such, the excessive proliferation of adipose tissue is defined. Mere overweight is to be distinguished from this, whereby a body mass index of 30 is considered the borderline between obesity and overweight. All forms of obesity are chronic diseases with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Besides the abdomen, truncal obesity can affect the entire trunk. Anatomically, the central portion of the body is called the trunk. This trunk of the body includes parts of the chest, abdomen, trunk-side back, and portions of the pelvis. Basically, other designations exist for the fat distribution pattern with an abdominal center. For example, the term android obesity is considered a male fat distribution pattern of obesity that also emphasizes the abdomen and is also known as visceral or central obesity of the apple type. To be distinguished from this is gynoid obesity emphasizing the hips, which is more common in women.
Causes
Forms of obesity arise from multifactorial relationships. In addition to genetic causes, lack of exercise, malnutrition, and eating disorders are considered factors in the disease. In addition, endocrine disorders such as leptin resistance or disorders of resistin and adiponectin homeostasis can cause obesity. The same is true for medication use, such as glucocorticoids, neuroleptics, or antidiabetics. Other factors may include immobilization or pregnancy. Truncal obesity as a male distribution pattern of obesity is in many cases the symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. This symptom complex is characterized by an excessive supply of glucocorticoids. The syndrome is often due to secondary adrenal insufficiency or rooted in disturbances in hypothalamic-pituitary regulation. Various neoplasms may also be the primary cause of Cushing’s syndrome. Due to increased glucocorticoid secretion, excessive glucose is made available to the body as part of the syndrome.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Truncal obesity is lead symptomatically characterized by severe obesity and excessive fat storage in the abdominal region. In the context of the phenomenon, visceral fat stores are particularly relevant. Characteristically, these deposits appear as a beer belly. Visceral fat is intra-abdominal fat that is stored in the free abdominal cavity and thus coats the internal organs. Visceral fat performs a protective function up to a certain amount. In healthy people, intra-abdominal fat is not directly visible to the naked eye. Only when the deposits exceed a certain level does the abdominal volume increase. Manifest truncal obesity is usually associated with secondary diseases or other symptoms. In addition to high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis may be present. Furthermore, people with truncal obesity often suffer from diabetes or cardiovascular and vascular diseases. Often a metabolic syndrome occurs. Thromboses, strokes, heart attacks and Alzheimer’s disease as well as cancer are favored by truncal obesity.
Diagnosis and disease progression
The measure used to diagnose truncal obesity is abdominal circumference. The circumference is measured two transverse fingers above the top of the iliac crest. Women suffer from excessive visceral fat deposits from a circumference of 80 centimeters and men from a circumference of 94 centimeters. Since 2012, more attention has been paid to abdominal fat in obesity diagnostics. The Body Shape Index BSI used since then includes harmful abdominal fat in the calculation for the first time. The relationship between body height and abdominal girth in terms of the waist-to-height ratio can also play a role in the diagnosis of truncal obesity.In the diagnosis of any obesity, the general fat mass is relevant in addition to the fat distribution. Furthermore, the risks for secondary diseases are determined as part of the diagnostic process. In addition, the causes of obesity may have diagnostic relevance. The prognosis for people with truncal obesity depends on the extent of obesity and the patient’s stamina.
Complications
Truncal obesity can be associated with various health complications. People with obesity also often suffer from cardiovascular disease, vascular disease, or diabetes. These diseases favor thrombosis, strokes and Alzheimer’s disease. There is also an increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. If left untreated, the consequences of truncal obesity severely limit the quality of life and well-being of the person affected. This often results in psychological suffering as well. The treatment of obesity also carries risks. If weight loss is too rapid, dehydration, hair loss and fatigue can occur. In addition, sexual desire is reduced and brain power temporarily decreases. In the long term, losing weight can cause damage to the heart and other organs. Other complications depend on the individual treatment. For example, side effects, drug interactions and allergic reactions can occur during drug treatment. In the case of a surgical procedure, bleeding, infections and wound healing problems are possible. As a result of liposuction, bumps, sagging or dents can occur, which sometimes have a negative effect on the self-esteem of the person affected. Rarely, hygiene errors can also occur, and sometimes an existing allergy or cardiac insufficiency have not been sufficiently taken into account – both of which are associated with life-threatening complications.
When should you go to the doctor?
In the case of truncal obesity, the affected person is usually always dependent on medical treatment and examination, so that further complications and other complaints do not arise. In this case, a doctor should also be consulted at an early stage, since truncal obesity can also lead to the death of the patient. A doctor should be consulted if the affected person suffers from very strong and clear fat deposits on the body. In most cases, these occur on the abdomen and reduce the aesthetics of the affected person. Furthermore, high blood pressure or diabetes may also indicate truncal obesity. If truncal obesity is not treated, it can lead to a stroke or heart attack, which can eventually lead to death. Truncal obesity can be detected by a general practitioner. Further treatment then depends on the exact cause of the disease, so no general prognosis about the further course can be given here.
Treatment and therapy
At the beginning of a truncal obesity treatment is a detailed medical history. The patient’s dietary and exercise habits must be clarified, ideally via food and exercise diaries. In addition, attention must be paid to the patient’s medical history in order to identify relevant diseases associated with obesity. Equally important in the run-up to therapy is a mental status assessment. Depending on the primary cause, different therapies are available for patients with truncal obesity. The focus of treatment is always on weight reduction. In addition to dietary changes, an exercise plan is established. In many cases of obesity, accompanying psychotherapy is a supportive treatment measure. Ideally, the patient’s environment is included in the therapy. A decisive point in the treatment is the positive motivation of those affected. Anticipation of a healthier lifestyle should be encouraged. A desire to exercise, enjoyable eating, a sense of purpose and independence must be instilled. All further treatment options depend on the primary cause of truncal obesity. If hormonal dysfunction is present, regulatory medications to invasive surgery may be required.
Prevention
Obesity truncal obesity can be prevented in moderation by reducing personal risk factors for obesity. This risk reduction can take the form of, for example, a healthy lifestyle with balanced eating patterns and exercise activities.
Aftercare
In the case of truncal obesity, the measures of direct aftercare are usually significantly limited, and in many cases these are not available to sufferers at all. Therefore, in this disease, the sufferer should seek medical attention at the first signs and symptoms to avoid complications or other ailments as the disease progresses. Self-healing is usually not possible with truncal obesity, so those affected by this disease are dependent on a surgical intervention, which can alleviate the symptoms. After the surgery, they should rest and recover. Efforts or stressful and physical activities should be refrained from in order not to put unnecessary strain on the body. In general, a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet has a positive effect on the further course of this disease. Affected persons should try to reduce their excess weight and also engage in sports. The further course of this disease depends strongly on the time of diagnosis, so that a general prediction can usually not be made.
What you can do yourself
To a limited extent, affected individuals can minimize truncal obesity in their daily lives. However, there are often genetic causes for the excessive fat distribution on the trunk of the body. Mental attitude is considered important. Patients should set goals and regularly monitor the success of chosen measures. The lifestyle must be characterized by activities. Only in this way can fat loss succeed. A higher calorie requirement is realized through sport. Affected persons should schedule regular exercise sessions in an endurance sport. Three times a week, one can visit a gym for two hours at a time. Extensive jogging or swimming also contribute to weight reduction. Experience shows that exercise sessions in groups are more likely to be followed through. On the other hand, patients need to change their eating habits. Plenty of fruit and vegetables are better than fatty foods and convenience products. Self-treatment is not always advisable. If suffering from one’s figure has been carried around for years, consultation with a doctor is inevitable. Usually, therapy is also about boosting self-confidence and instilling a positive outlook on life. Forms of interaction with other people can also be practiced if deficits have developed. If secondary diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes have developed, medical supervision is likewise necessary.
