Steroid use cause obesity

[smoshe]

My son had problems with breathing when a baby and croup and two hospitalizations.  He had 4 sets of tubes, tonsils and adenoids (adenoids) out and used Decadron (steroids) from age 3 months to 8 years old.  He is now 10 and is overweight--he weighs 100 lbs.  What can we do to fix it?  He's no longer on the steroids but is heavy.

[National Jewish]

While taking steroids you may have an increase in appetite.  As long as this increased appetite is satisfied you will gain weight.  When the steroids are stopped your appetite will return to what it was before you started on the steroids.  However when you have been on steroids for years and you have satisfied this increased appetite during those years your body may have reset your appetite at this increased level.  Then it becomes difficult, but not impossible, for your appetite to return to what it was before you started on steroids.

This is a situation where it is much easier to say what needs to be done to help your son loose weight than it is to do.  Your son needs to eat fewer calories than he uses each and every day.  Choosing low fat, low-sugar foods will help to control calories.  Ask your son’s doctor about working with a dietitian to help your son with a specific diet plan that will be a well balanced diet that meets the Food Pyramid Guidelines.  Also exercising regularly will help.  The physical activity needs to be something that your son enjoys doing so that he will do it every day.