adiposogenital dystrophy, adiposogenital syndrome

A disease characterized by abnormal distribution of fat (obesity) accompanied by underdevelopment of the genitalia. The condition is caused by damage to certain parts of the hypothalamus, with a decrease in the secretion of gonadotropic hormones from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Treatment depends on the primary cause of the condition, usually a tumor or infection involving the hypothalamus. Called also Fröhlich's syndrome.