Epilepsy and Weight: Understanding the Two-Way Connection

  Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures, but did you know it can also affect your weight—and vice versa? The relationship between epilepsy and weight goes both ways:

  • People with epilepsy are at a higher risk of obesity.

  • Obesity itself can increase the likelihood of developing epilepsy.

Let’s break down how this works.

How Epilepsy Can Influence Weight

Seizures can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, such as ghrelin, leptin, and adiponectin. These hormonal shifts can make it harder to feel full, increase hunger, and slow metabolism.

Some anti-epileptic medications may also contribute to weight gain. While these medications are essential for controlling seizures, they can sometimes affect the body’s hormonal balance, leading to rapid weight changes.

How Obesity Can Affect the Brain and Epilepsy

Carrying excess weight, especially visceral fat around the abdomen, can lead to inflammation that affects the nervous system.

This inflammation, combined with changes in brain structure and function, may:

  • Accelerate the onset of seizures

  • Worsen the progression of epilepsy

  • Increase the risk of other neurological complications

Essentially, obesity can create a feedback loop, where weight gain makes seizures more likely, and seizures make weight management more challenging.

Practical Steps You Can Take

If your child—or you—have epilepsy and are concerned about weight:

  1. Consult a doctor

    • Identify the cause of weight gain

    • Develop a personalized plan for nutrition, activity, and seizure management

  2. Adopt a balanced diet

    • Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins

    • Limit processed foods and sugary drinks

  3. Encourage regular physical activity

    • Exercise helps control weight, reduce stress, and lower risks of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease

    • Physical activity may also reduce seizure risk and support overall neurological health


Key Takeaway

Managing weight is an important part of epilepsy care. By combining medical guidance, healthy eating, and regular exercise, you can help reduce seizure risk, improve overall health, and break the cycle between epilepsy and weight gain.

Doctor: Hoanglam - TA Hospital

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