cerebal palsy and weight issues - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

Mceestix · 07-18-2006, 02:42 AM

I have Cerebal palsy and really have had a hard time putting on weight. People have told me that Cerebal Palsy causes people to stay pretty slim throughout their lives. Does anyone have any comments on that?

route66 · 07-18-2006, 07:34 AM

Do you need to put on weight? If not, then don't worry about it because that means more body mass for you to move around, which will be more difficult as you age. I've always been pretty slim, though I've gained 10-15 pounds in my 30s (always have used a walker). I saw a childhood friend at a reunion 2 years ago with CP (walker as a kid, wheelchair now), and he has gained a lot of weight, though he was a little chunky when we were kids. He's 38 like me. Another friend with CP, same age, is still a stick but all muscle (always has used a walker).

Though I've never had a weight problem, I watch my diet somewhat because I don't want to have extra weight to maneuver.

How old are you?

Steffers2318 · 07-18-2006, 10:11 AM

Yeah, it's common to be underweight...spasticity means that your muscles contract all the time, and muscle movement uses up A LOT of energy. So people with CP who are active generally use up most of the calories they get during the day.

Mceestix · 07-18-2006, 03:05 PM

Oh okay, all those things to make some sense. Another question I have for the board is though its not really on this topic that much. Does cerebal palsy have anything to do with speeding up your metabolism? This was just another rumor that I have heard many people tell me over the years.

eri02 · 07-18-2006, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mceestix

I have Cerebal palsy and really have had a hard time putting on weight. People have told me that Cerebal Palsy causes people to stay pretty slim throughout their lives. Does anyone have any comments on that?

i don't think that is always true. i agree with steffers about the spasticity using up lots more energy. but like everyone else, it also depends on your activity level and diet. if you have trouble swallowing/chewing and are on a blended diet, you are more likely to take in less calories. if you don't exercise or bear your own weight at all, you will put on weight more quickly. sometimes meds can cause weight gain, too;it did for me.