2. Weight Loss: The Unintended Shedding of Pounds
Weight loss in children with Addison’s Disease isn’t a result of a growth spurt or increased activity. It’s an unexplained slimming down, even when their appetite seems unchanged. You’ll notice pants hanging looser, cheeks less full, a body becoming a shadow of its former self.
Food becomes a strange enemy for these kids. They might eat but don’t seem to keep on the weight. It’s perplexing, especially when they’re consuming calorie-dense foods. You start to wonder, where does all the food go? The answer lies in the malfunctioning adrenal glands that no longer produce the hormones necessary for metabolism regulation.
As they continue to lose weight, their energy depletes further. They’re not just thinner; they’re weaker. Every task requires monumental effort. It’s a cycle that feeds into their overall malaise. Their bodies can’t hold onto the nutrients they need for growth and repair.
Parents often try to counteract this with more food, more snacks, more of everything. But without addressing the underlying issue, the weight continues to slip away. It’s like filling a bucket with a hole at the bottom. Until you patch the hole — treat the Addison’s — the weight will continue to fall off. (2)
