A number of factors can cause weight gain in children with brain tumours:
- Steroid use: some of the weight gained is caused by water retention, which will be lost when steroid use is stopped.
- The treatment or type of tumour: children with a tumour located near the hypothalamus may develop uncontrollable appetites. The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that controls eating and appetite.
- Untreated or undiagnosed hypothyroidism: low levels of thyroid hormones cause the body's metabolism to slow down.
To try to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, the following guidelines may be helpful for children aged two to 18 years.
- Be active.
- Establish healthy eating patterns.
- Make healthy food choices.
- Feel good about yourself.
Be active
- Try to be active every season of the year.
- Choose different activities you enjoy.
- Limit TV and computer time.
- Avoid eating in front of the TV.
Establish healthy eating patterns
- Eat three meals a day. Do not skip meals, especially breakfast.
- If you are hungry between meals, eat healthy snacks.
- Eat slowly.
- See Canada’s Food Guide for Healthy Eating.
- Avoid drinking pop or juice as they provide empty calories.
- Eat at home more often.
- Limit intake of take-out food.