Hump on the back of neck....why? and what to do?

[marniewon]

Hi Shelley,

Checked your FAQ's and searched for this topic before posting, so I hope I haven't overlooked something and am asking something you've already answered!

I have noticed that both my boys (aged 10 and 12) have fatty lumps/humps on the back of their necks. In checking them tonight, they commented that I have the same thing! I've researched cushing's disease, and the only symptom that any of us has is my youngest has a round face. Both have gained weight rapidly in the last year, although the 12 yo is starting to grow out of his weight. Their diets have been very bad, but with noticing the weight gain, we have been trying to eat better. The youngest has a bad sweet tooth though!

Could this just be a genetic thing that we all have? BTW, my dd doesn't have it! And she eats just as poorly as the rest of us. Or is this a real problem? Obvious the weight is a big problem, and we are working on that, but other than that, should we be concerned about it? And what can we do to help it? I should also say that the boys are pretty active, and we have a trampoline that they play on at least a few days a week (thinking lymph problems).

Thanks for any help you can give!

Marnie

[shelley]

Hi Marnie!

The Buffalo Hump syndrome doesn't have a single cause, so it would be wise for everyone with it to get a physical and check lipids and blood pressure to see how far this imbalance is going.

It could simply be that genetically you're all sensitive to sugars and bad fats (perhaps you're all blood type O and your daughter is a different blood type?). Your boys are susceptible because they're growing, which means the pituitary gland is telling their entire glandular system to work hard. Eating simple sugars, flours or caffeine heightens that.

If you want to break the circuit, cut out all simple sugars, stimulants (including video games and horror films), food additives, sweet fruits and fruit juices, white flours, pastas, for at least a month and switch to a diet that's low on the hypoglycemic index and high in good fats. Some adaptogenic herbs might also be called for.

Good luck!