Obesity and persons with down syndrome

Joav Merrick, Isack Kandel, Mohammed Morad, Jason Ahn, Brian Seth Fuchs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Obesity in childhood has particular concern, because if it continues into adulthood, the result will be increased morbidity and decreased life expectancy. An increase in obesity in the general population in the developed world has been documented in recent years. This trend is also seen in persons with intellectual disability and in particular in persons with Down syndrome (DS). Persons with DS are prone to obesity already at an early age and several studies have shown a high prevalence in this population compared to persons with intellectual disability without DS and the general population. Persons with DS have a low resting metabolic rate and low dietary intake of individual nutrients and therefore exercise and vitamin-mineral supplement diet must be instituted in this population to prevent or minimize obesity and its adverse consequences.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationObesity and Adolescence
Subtitle of host publicationA Public Health Concern
PublisherNova Science Publishers, Inc.
Pages197-202
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781606928219
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (all)
  • Social Sciences (all)

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