Weight can be a common issue for people with pituitary conditions, causing distress and frustration, even though you may be eating a healthy diet.
Some pituitary conditions can cause weight gain, even though you may be following a diet similar to the one before you developed the condition. The sometimes-unhelpful comment of ‘you need to diet’ can be upsetting for those who already follow a healthy diet and know that they do not take in any more calories than before their pituitary condition, or treatment, began.
A healthy diet is one which consists of:
- protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs and pulses)
- carbohydrates (whole meal bread, cereals and potatoes)
- fat (oils, dairyproducts, nuts and fish)
- other essential ingredients such as vitamins and some minerals – found in fruit and vegetables.
Such a healthy diet is recommended by experts for everyone. People with hypothalamic damage may need to have a lower calorie intake to prevent further weight gain. Some others need to avoid or include particular foods because of their condition, or other conditions. Drinking sufficient fluids (water, sugar free juices etc) will keep you hydrated; for those with AVP Deficiency (Diabetes Insipidus), be guided by your thirst as to appropriate fluid intake and balancing your medication
