Zeitschrift für Fettleibigkeit und Stoffwechsel

Abstrakt

Understanding Obesity in Down’s Syndrome Children

Thiago Artioli

Introduction Children and adolescents with Down's Syndrome have a higher risk for obesity. The recognition of physiological and behavioral factors that can increase this risk are crucial for developing personalized plans to approach each individual in order to avoid the gain of excess weight. Discussion The physiological factors that explain obesity in these individuals are hypothiroidism, decreased resting metabolic rate, increased leptin levels, masticatory dysfunction, short sature and low levels of lean body mass. Conclusion Proper exercise and balances diet are the key to achieve benefits in these individuals.