Recognize the Signs
What are the symptoms of acquired HO?
Signs and symptoms that can indicate acquired hypothalamic obesity (acquired HO)
Weight
Weight gain that is sudden and sustained
Weight gain even when limiting food or calorie intake
Hunger
Increased hunger or hyperphagia (constant, hard-to-control hunger)
New or unusual
food-seeking behaviors
Fatigue
Doing less
physical activity
Feeling
excessively tired
If these symptoms describe your experience—even if it has been years since you received treatment for a brain tumor—diagnosis is an important first step. Prepare to talk to your doctor
Recognizing constant, hard-to-control hunger (hyperphagia)
Hyperphagia (pronounced hi-per-FAY-juh) is a unique symptom of acquired HO. Not everyone with acquired HO experiences hyperphagia, but those who do often describe it as different from anything they have felt before.
Before acquired HO
- Feeling hungry in between meals
- Having cravings and increased appetite from time to time
- Eating past fullness at big occasions like Thanksgiving
With acquired HO
- Feeling hungry all the time
- Having continual thoughts about food
- Eating throughout any given day because you never feel full
- Eating to feel less hungry, but never achieving a feeling of fullness
Experiences with hyperphagia can vary
Hyperphagia can range from mild to severe, and children may respond to hyperphagia differently than adults. With time, individuals may learn to cope with behaviors and emotions brought on by hyperphagia, making them less apparent to others.
Understand the signs of
constant, hard-to-control hunger
Download a checklist of what to look for to help identify signs of hyperphagia in yourself or a loved one.
“I'm never full. I'm always hungry. I'm just up all night looking for food.” -Brain tumor survivor living with acquired HO
You know your body best
If you’ve noticed rapid weight gain or increased hunger after a brain tumor or brain injury, don’t wait to bring these changes up with your doctor. Sharing your specific symptoms can help your doctor understand what’s happening and create a plan that fits your needs.
Be prepared for your next doctor’s visit
Download a discussion guide to help you talk about acquired HO and feel confident in the conversation.
