Hypothalamic Obesity Clinic

The Hypothalamic Obesity Clinic offers weight management care to St. Jude patients with hypothalamic obesity. 

Hypothalamic obesity is rapid weight gain that happens when a part of the brain, called the hypothalamus, is damaged. The hypothalamus controls hunger and the body's use of energy from food. Damage can be caused by conditions and treatments such as brain tumors around the hypothalamus, brain tumor surgery, and radiation therapy. 

The Hypothalamic Obesity Clinic at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is one of few in the country that comprehensively treats patients with hypothalamic obesity in a supportive and caring environment.   

To be a patient in Hypothalamic Obesity Clinic, you must: 

• Be a current St. Jude patient followed in the Brain Tumor, Radiation Oncology, or After Completion of Therapy (ACT) clinic  
• Have hypothalamic obesity caused by a brain tumor or treatment 
• Be under 18 years old 
• Live in the St. Jude service area or be receiving certain long-term, active tumor therapy 
• Be referred by your primary clinic and accepted into the clinic  

Services we provide

Rapid weight gain and a strong urge to eat can be frustrating for patients and families. Many factors affect hypothalamic obesity, so patients need care that treats the whole person.  

The Hypothalamic Obesity Clinic provides this special care. We also work closely with the patient’s primary care team, creating a support network to help patients manage their condition.  

During their first visit, families may receive guidance on:  

• Nutrition to help plan healthy meals 
• Physical therapy to improve movement 
• Exercise physiology to learn how exercise and physical activity can help the body 
• Psychology information to learn about healthy ways to cope with obesity 
• Social work and school program services to help with daily living 

Your Hypothalamic Obesity Clinic team

The Hypothalamic Obesity Clinic team brings together specialists who can help patients manage this condition, including:  

• Physicians and advanced practice providers: Perform physical exams, order lab tests, and manage medicines 
• Endocrine nurses: help patients get services and testing, and explain treatment plans 
• Clinical nutritionists: Help patients with their diet and food choices 
• Social workers: Provide emotional and practical support
• Physical therapist (PT): Helps patients with problems that make exercise harder to do 
• Exercise physiologist: Gives exercise tests and makes exercise plans 
• School program: Helps patients find and use resources at their school 
• Psychologist: Provides emotional support, counseling, and testing 
• Pharmacy liaisons: Get medicines approved by insurance     

What to expect during your visit

Our team looks at how patients’ bodies use energy. We learn this by doing tests and collecting blood samples for testing in the lab. These tests will look at things like: 

• How much energy the body needs 
• The amount of muscle and fat in the body 
• Flexibility and strength 
• Stamina (how much energy is needed for activities) 

The team will also ask patients questions about their hunger levels and daily quality of life to better understand their needs. They will give information on how to connect with more support and resources. 

Learn more