Study finds link between obesity and vascular dementia<\/a><\/h4>\nFox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel joins ‘America’s Newsroom’ to discuss an increase of colon cancer in people under 50 despite overall lowering cancer deaths and a new study linking obesity to vascular dementia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nNEW<\/span>You can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\nA fatty bulge at the base of the neck \u2014 commonly known as a “buffalo hump” \u2014 isn\u2019t always just a cosmetic concern, as experts say it can sometimes signal an underlying condition.<\/a><\/p>\nAs more Americans grapple with poor posture, obesity and chronic conditions requiring long-term medications, experts warn that these factors can contribute to the development of “buffalo humps.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
There are a range of possible causes and treatments for the commonly misunderstood condition, Health.com<\/a> recently reported.<\/p>\nDOCTOR SHARES 3 SIMPLE CHANGES TO STAY HEALTHY AND INDEPENDENT AS YOU AGE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n“A buffalo hump is a fullness at the base of the neck or upper back area,” Dr. Dahlia Rice, a Chicago-based plastic surgeon and founder of DMR Aesthetics, told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n
Posture can make a hump appear more pronounced, even if someone does not have much excess fat, Rice said. A forward head posture<\/a> or rounding of the upper spine can contribute to this effect.<\/p>\n\n<\/picture><\/div>\n\n\nHormonal changes involving cortisol can lead to fat deposits in the neck and upper back, according to experts.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n“Depending on the pattern and timing, it could also signal an underlying medical issue,” the expert said.<\/p>\n
The condition is often linked to weight, according to Dr. Rachel Mason, a Las Vegas-based plastic surgeon and founder of La Femme Plastic Surgery, though that is not always the case.<\/p>\n
“In some cases, it can be associated with medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome<\/a> or long-term use of steroids,” she told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\nGLP-1 DRUGS LINKED TO HIGHER FRACTURE RISK, OSTEOPOROSIS AND GOUT, NEW STUDIES SUGGEST<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n“Depending on the pattern and timing, it could signal an underlying medical issue.”<\/p>\n
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Elevated levels of cortisol \u2014 the body’s primary stress hormone<\/a> \u2014 can also lead to fat deposits in the neck and upper back, experts say. Certain medications, including some HIV treatments, may also play a role, according to Health.com.<\/p>\nTEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nExperts emphasize the importance of distinguishing between a true buffalo hump and other conditions. The buffalo hump is often confused with a posture-related “dowager\u2019s hump,” which is caused by spinal curvature<\/a> rather than fat buildup.<\/p>\n“A true buffalo hump will feel soft and fatty,” Mason said. “Structural, posture-related issues require a completely different approach than fat reduction.”<\/p>\n
\n![\"Overweight](\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1200\/675\/kettlebell-workout-personal-trainer-fox-news-001.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1\")
<\/picture><\/div>\n\n\nMaintaining a healthy weight and good posture may help reduce the risk of developing a buffalo hump, experts say.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIf the lump appears suddenly, continues to grow or is accompanied by other symptoms, medical evaluation is recommended, according to doctors.<\/p>\n
“If it’s paired with fatigue<\/a>, muscle weakness or changes in blood pressure, patients should seek medical evaluation,” Rice advised.<\/p>\nCLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nMason added that symptoms such as easy bruising, hormonal changes or purple stretch marks could point to an endocrine disorder<\/a> rather than a cosmetic issue.<\/p>\nTreatment options depend largely on the underlying cause. In cases tied to posture, physical therapy and strengthening exercises may help. When medications are involved, doctors may adjust treatment.<\/p>\n
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nFor patients with localized fat and no underlying condition, cosmetic procedures may be considered.<\/p>\n
“Liposuction is often the effective option for contouring this area, as it directly removes excess fat and improves the profile of the upper back and neck,” Mason said, noting that more extensive cases may require surgical removal<\/a> of dense tissue.<\/p>\n\n![\"Doctor](\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1200\/675\/plastic-surgery-5.jpg?ve=1&tl=1\")
<\/picture><\/div>\n\n\n“Liposuction is often the effective option for contouring this area, as it directly removes excess fat and improves the profile of the upper back and neck,” an expert said.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLifestyle changes \u2014 such as maintaining a healthy weight, improving posture and monitoring long-term medication use<\/a> \u2014 may help to manage or reduce the condition, experts say.<\/p>\nCLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nAlthough a buffalo hump itself is not usually dangerous, untreated underlying conditions can lead to more serious complications, including high blood pressure or sleep issues<\/a>, according to Health.com.<\/p>\n“Identifying the cause early is important in ensuring the right treatment path is taken,” Mason said.<\/p>\n
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NEW<\/span>You can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n A fatty bulge at the base of the neck \u2014 commonly known as a “buffalo hump” \u2014 isn\u2019t always just a cosmetic concern, as experts say it can sometimes signal an underlying condition.<\/a><\/p>\n As more Americans grapple with poor posture, obesity and chronic conditions requiring long-term medications, experts warn that these factors can contribute to the development of “buffalo humps.”\u00a0<\/p>\n There are a range of possible causes and treatments for the commonly misunderstood condition, Health.com<\/a> recently reported.<\/p>\n DOCTOR SHARES 3 SIMPLE CHANGES TO STAY HEALTHY AND INDEPENDENT AS YOU AGE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “A buffalo hump is a fullness at the base of the neck or upper back area,” Dr. Dahlia Rice, a Chicago-based plastic surgeon and founder of DMR Aesthetics, told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n Posture can make a hump appear more pronounced, even if someone does not have much excess fat, Rice said. A forward head posture<\/a> or rounding of the upper spine can contribute to this effect.<\/p>\n Hormonal changes involving cortisol can lead to fat deposits in the neck and upper back, according to experts.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “Depending on the pattern and timing, it could also signal an underlying medical issue,” the expert said.<\/p>\n The condition is often linked to weight, according to Dr. Rachel Mason, a Las Vegas-based plastic surgeon and founder of La Femme Plastic Surgery, though that is not always the case.<\/p>\n “In some cases, it can be associated with medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome<\/a> or long-term use of steroids,” she told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n GLP-1 DRUGS LINKED TO HIGHER FRACTURE RISK, OSTEOPOROSIS AND GOUT, NEW STUDIES SUGGEST<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “Depending on the pattern and timing, it could signal an underlying medical issue.”<\/p>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n Elevated levels of cortisol \u2014 the body’s primary stress hormone<\/a> \u2014 can also lead to fat deposits in the neck and upper back, experts say. Certain medications, including some HIV treatments, may also play a role, according to Health.com.<\/p>\n TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Experts emphasize the importance of distinguishing between a true buffalo hump and other conditions. The buffalo hump is often confused with a posture-related “dowager\u2019s hump,” which is caused by spinal curvature<\/a> rather than fat buildup.<\/p>\n “A true buffalo hump will feel soft and fatty,” Mason said. “Structural, posture-related issues require a completely different approach than fat reduction.”<\/p>\n Maintaining a healthy weight and good posture may help reduce the risk of developing a buffalo hump, experts say.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n If the lump appears suddenly, continues to grow or is accompanied by other symptoms, medical evaluation is recommended, according to doctors.<\/p>\n “If it’s paired with fatigue<\/a>, muscle weakness or changes in blood pressure, patients should seek medical evaluation,” Rice advised.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Mason added that symptoms such as easy bruising, hormonal changes or purple stretch marks could point to an endocrine disorder<\/a> rather than a cosmetic issue.<\/p>\n Treatment options depend largely on the underlying cause. In cases tied to posture, physical therapy and strengthening exercises may help. When medications are involved, doctors may adjust treatment.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n For patients with localized fat and no underlying condition, cosmetic procedures may be considered.<\/p>\n “Liposuction is often the effective option for contouring this area, as it directly removes excess fat and improves the profile of the upper back and neck,” Mason said, noting that more extensive cases may require surgical removal<\/a> of dense tissue.<\/p>\n “Liposuction is often the effective option for contouring this area, as it directly removes excess fat and improves the profile of the upper back and neck,” an expert said.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lifestyle changes \u2014 such as maintaining a healthy weight, improving posture and monitoring long-term medication use<\/a> \u2014 may help to manage or reduce the condition, experts say.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Although a buffalo hump itself is not usually dangerous, untreated underlying conditions can lead to more serious complications, including high blood pressure or sleep issues<\/a>, according to Health.com.<\/p>\n “Identifying the cause early is important in ensuring the right treatment path is taken,” Mason said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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