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Prader-Willi Syndrome causes an extreme appetite
Prader-Willi Syndrome is a
genetic
disorder that occurs in approximately 1 in 15,000 live births. It can affect
both genders, and all races and ethnic groups. It is characterized by
excessive hunger, known as hyperphagia, mental retardation, as well as
several other physical symptoms. The disorder occurs when 7 genes on
chromosome 15 are missing on the paternal chromosome.
Prader-Willi Syndrome is currently diagnosed using genetic testing,
especially in newborns with hypotonia, or very low muscle tone (also know as
“floppy baby”). There is no cure for Prader-Willi Syndrome, but if it is
caught early on in a child’s life, there are treatments available that can
offset some of the effects of the disorder.
Those who are afflicted with Prada-Willi Syndrome are at an increased risk
for learning difficulties and attention problems. But the biggest problem
for patients is an insatiable appetite and preoccupation with
food, which
often leads to extreme obesity.
Those with Prader-Willi Syndrome often exhibit the following physical
indicators:
-
Short stature
-
Small hands and feet
-
Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
-
Excessive
fat deposit, especially in the
trunk area of the body
-
Narrow forehead
-
Fair skin and light hair, compared to
other family members
-
Thin lips and narrow eyes
There are numerous health issues that can affect the patient that are
related to Prader-Willi Syndrome. Because of the likelihood of
morbid
obesity, there is an increased risk for
high blood pressure and sleep apnea,
as well as all other long-term health problems associated with being
overweight. In addition, a person with Prader-Willi Syndrome might suffer
from:
This is why treatment for the disorder is so important. Many problems can be
counteracted with available therapies. Growth hormones can be used to
increase height and muscle mass. Other treatments available address the
patient’s obsession with food and voracious
appetite. Sometimes, cabinets
and refrigerators must be locked to keep patients from
overeating.
In fact, weight management is the most important treatment for those
afflicted with Prader-Willi Syndrome. By making
children with the disorder
follow a balanced diet that is low in calories, take
vitamin and
calcium
supplements, and get a lot of exercise, many of the problems associated with
the disorder will diminish, and many of the long-term health issues will not
be such a concern.
Human Body
Adaptation To Overeating
The Effect of Overeating on Dopamine
Levels
The Pitfalls of Eating Junk Food
How we control hunger and appetite?
Extreme
Appetite Problems
Anorexia
Nervosa Eating Disorder - What to look for!
Eating Disorder
Bulimia
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