Which tumor is most commonly associated with causing hypothalamic obesity?

The tumor that is most commonly associated with causing hypothalamic obesity is craniopharyngioma. This association arises from the location of the tumor, which typically develops near the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus plays a critical role in regulating food intake, energy expenditure, and body weight. When a craniopharyngioma interferes with the normal function of the hypothalamus, it can disrupt hormonal signaling and neural pathways that are involved in appetite control and energy balance.

Craniopharyngiomas can lead to both hyperphagia (increased appetite) and decreased energy expenditure due to hypothalamic damage. In some cases, patients may also experience other symptoms such as visual disturbances or hormonal deficiencies, which could further contribute to metabolic changes.

Other tumors listed, while they may affect various brain regions, do not have the same direct association with hypothalamic obesity as craniopharyngiomas do. Astrocytomas and glioblastomas can occur in the brain, but their effects generally do not specifically lead to the hypothalamic disruptions characterizing hypothalamic obesity. Meningiomas typically arise from the meninges and may also not directly impact hypothalamic function in a way that