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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Dexamphetamine use for management of obesity and hypersomnolence following hypothalamic injury
D Ismail1, M A O'Connell, M R Zacharin
1Department of Endocrinology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Unlabelled:
Unrelenting weight gain, morbid obesity and disturbance of the sleep-wake cycle are well-recognized sequelae of hypothalamic injury. These health problems and their risk of significant associated co-morbidity drive the search for potential treatment modalities.
Objective:
To report effects on weight change and wakefulness in a cohort of 12 patients with structural hypothalamic lesions treated with low-dose dexamphetamine.
Method:
Retrospective review of case notes.
Results:
Twelve patients received dexamphetamine 5 mg twice daily (median duration 13 months in males, 15 months in females). Ten of 12 patients experienced either stabilisation of weight or weight loss on treatment (median loss -0.7 SDS in males, -0.44 SDS in females). Eleven patients reported improvement in daytime wakefulness and/or concentration and exercise tolerance.
Conclusion:
Low-dose dexamphetamine therapy has a positive impact on inexorable weight gain and daytime somnolence following hypothalamic injury.
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