| Excess weight gain after brain tumour treatment | 1427.00000000000 | Excess weight gain after brain tumour treatment | Excess weight gain after brain tumour treatment | E | English | Neurology;Nutrition | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Brain | Nervous system | Conditions and diseases | Adult (19+) | NA | | 2022-01-10T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 7.70000000000000 | 60.9000000000000 | 516.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>An overview of the factors that can affect weight gain in children with brain tumours, and tips for maintaining a healthy weight.</p> | <figure>
<span class="asset-image-title">Weight control</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Weight_control_MED_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">The hypothalamus controls appetite, and the thyroid gland controls metabolism.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Your child’s weight will be monitored as part of overall health monitoring during
<a href="/article?contentid=1421&language=english">clinic visits</a>. It is important to remember that a healthy weight is different for every child. There are some general guidelines to follow for maintaining a healthy weight such as following a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity. However, further measures may need to be taken in some cases.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>High dose steroid use , treatment or type of tumour, and hypothyroidism can all affect weight gain in children with brain tumours.</li><li>If left unmanaged, obesity can lead to other health problems.</li><li>Children should be as active as possible and establish healthy eating patterns.
</li></ul> | <h2>What can be done about weight gain?</h2><p>Several factors can affect weight gain in children with brain tumours.</p><ul><li>High dose <a href="/article?contentid=1354&language=english">steroid use</a>: Some of the weight gained is caused by water retention, which will be lost when steroid use is stopped. Replacement doses of steroid does not lead to weight gain.</li><li>The treatment or type of tumour: Children with a tumour located near the <a href="/article?contentid=1306&language=english&hub=braintumours">hypothalamus</a> may develop an uncontrollable appetite or hunger. The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that controls eating and appetite. The tumour itself or the surgery to remove the tumour may damage the hypothalamus. The result is that a child may feel very hungry and eat a lot.</li><li>Untreated or undiagnosed <a href="/article?contentid=2309&language=english">hypothyroidism</a>: Low levels of thyroid hormones cause the body’s metabolism to slow down.</li></ul><p>For weight gain caused by uncontrollable hunger, certain strategies may be recommended by the health-care team. A small number of children may need help from a dietitian or behaviour specialist.</p><h2>How will excessive weight gain affect your child’s future?</h2><p>If it is not managed, obesity can lead to other health problems. These include: </p><ul><li>increased risk of developing high blood pressure</li><li>type 2 diabetes</li><li>heart attacks</li><li>stroke</li><li>various cancers</li><li>arthritis</li><li>back pain </li></ul><p>However, even a small amount of weight loss can reduce these risks.</p><h2>How can you help your child?</h2><p>Below are strategies to encourage your child to be active and reduce screen-time: </p><ul><li>Try to be active every season of the year.</li><li>Choose different activities you enjoy and encourage physical activities of daily living (e.g., taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking instead of driving).</li><li>Limit TV and computer time.</li><li>Avoid eating in front of the TV.</li></ul><h2>Help your child to establish healthy eating patterns</h2><ul><li>Eat 3 meals a day. Include protein with each meal to help reduce hunger. Do not skip meals, especially breakfast.</li><li>If you are hungry between meals, eat healthy snacks.</li><li>Eat slowly.</li><li>See <a href="https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/">Canada’s Food Guide for Healthy Eating</a>.</li><li>Water is the preferred beverage when your child is thirsty. Avoid pop or juice as they provide empty calories.</li><li>Eat at home more often.</li><li>Limit intake of take-out or fast food.</li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Resources</h2><p>For more information about Active Healthy Living check out the resources at <a href="https://meant2prevent.ca/">Meant2Prevent.ca</a>.</p> | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Weight_control_MED_ILL_EN.jpg | Excess weight gain after brain tumour treatment | | False | | | | | | | | |
