In Cushing's syndrome, what is a typical change in body fat distribution?

In Cushing's syndrome, a typical change in body fat distribution is characterized by increased fat in the trunk. This phenomenon occurs due to elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which leads to a redistribution of body fat. Patients with Cushing's syndrome often present with a distinctive appearance often referred to as "central obesity," where excess fat accumulates around the abdomen and upper body while the limbs tend to remain thinner, contributing to a "moon face" appearance.

This distribution pattern is a hallmark of the syndrome and correlates with other symptoms such as buffalo hump (fat accumulation at the base of the neck). The underlying metabolic alterations driven by excess cortisol include changes in how fat is stored in the body, often resulting in a more centralized fat distribution, which is contrary to what is seen with normal fat distribution patterns.