Cp and obesity correlation? - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

OrbOfConfusion · 07-03-2004, 05:43 AM

Hi yall,

I was wondering if anyone ever heard of a correlation between cp and obesity, especially in children. Is it possible for cp to affect any organs or glands and somehow cause a slower metabolism?

The reason I ask is because my daughter is still putting on excess weight. She last weighed in at 45 pounds back in May... she was 2 years and 4 months old then. I haven't weighed her lately but I can tell she is getting heavier just by lifting her. She eats three small toddler-sized meals a day.
And drinks kool-aid with no calorie sweetener. I don't know where the extra weight is coming from.

I'm really concerned about the affect of excess weight could have on her right leg because she has spastic hemiparesis cp on her right side. Has anyone ever heard of anything that might relate to this?

Thanks,
Melissa

Zagreus · 07-03-2004, 07:09 AM

My son is overweight, but I think it's more because he's not as physically active.

Strawberry1 · 07-03-2004, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrbOfConfusion

Hi yall,

I was wondering if anyone ever heard of a correlation between cp and obesity, especially in children. Is it possible for cp to affect any organs or glands and somehow cause a slower metabolism?

Hmm. I've read on some websites that people with CP often tend to be thin, because spastic - and especially athetoid muscles - demand more energy than usual muscles. I don't know if this is true, but when I told a physiotherapist about this theory, she said that it sounded plausible.

I've always been slim, even if I'm noticed that I'm not a person who can eat anything without gaining weight

So physical inactivity may be the reason. But talk to a doctor if the situation continues

sassysweetie · 07-03-2004, 04:49 PM

Hey Melisa,

I'm a right hemi, just like your daughter. I'm 14 years old, 4'11", and 125 pounds, and although this isn't thin, it's just right for me. I've never noticed any issues with my muscles due to the excess weight. But I agree: talk to a doctor.

OrbOfConfusion · 07-04-2004, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zagreus

My son is overweight, but I think it's more because he's not as physically active.

How overweight is your son?

My daughter has the average weight of a five year old. And she is still continuing to gain. Cutting back on her calories hasn't worked anymore. She is not very physically active either.

If her weight gain continues to increase like it has been, she will probably be morbidly obese. It's really beginning to worry me.

I'm going to take to to her pediatrician here soon to check on it.

Thanks,
Melissa