A person with Down syndrome may be more likely to develop obesity than someone without it. This is due to additional medical conditions and physiological factors, among other reasons.
A person who has Down syndrome has an extra copy of chromosome 21. Chromosomes are thread-like structures that contain DNA. They determine how a person’s body develops.
Individuals with Down syndrome may develop physical and intellectual difficulties. They may also be at risk of certain conditions, such as heart defects or digestive irregularities.
Read on to learn more about the relationship between Down syndrome and obesity, including risk factors and treatments.
Yes, obesity is more common in people with Down syndrome. A review from 2022 notes that young people with Down syndrome have
An additional review from 2022 states that people with Down syndrome may be
- oxidative stress disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease
- obesity
- carbohydrate profile disorders, which involve difficulty with the metabolism of carbohydrates
- lipid disorders
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The researchers noted that people with these conditions have higher rates of overweight and obesity than people who do not have the conditions. They also noted that the study participants with Down syndrome had the highest rates of overweight and obesity, compared with participants who had ASD and other IDDs.
The higher rates of obesity in people with Down syndrome have several potential causes.
Hypothyroidism
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) states that hypothyroidism may be a potential cause of obesity in people with Down syndrome.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which a person’s thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This may cause a person’s metabolism to slow down, which may result in weight gain.
Around 15% of individuals with Down syndrome have hypothyroidism.
Additionally, the NDSS states that people with Down syndrome may have slower metabolisms in general. This means that their bodies may burn fewer calories while storing more.
Increased leptin levels
A research review from 2024 noted that obesity in people with Down syndrome may be related to increased leptin levels in the body. Leptin is a hormone released by fat cells.
If a person constantly has high levels of leptin, they may become desensitized to it. This may result in leptin resistance. If a person develops leptin resistance, they may continue to feel hungry even after they have eaten. This may result in overeating and weight gain.
Reduced energy expenditure
The NDSS notes that people with Down syndrome may eat more calories than they burn from physical activity.
A study from 2017 noted that children with Down syndrome may have a
Mental health conditions
A study from 2022 found that people with Down syndrome were
The
Additionally, the
The NHLBI lists the following as
- lack of physical activity
- eating more calories than the body uses
- eating too much saturated fat, which is found in foods such as red meat, full fat dairy products, and baked goods
- eating foods high in added sugar
- not getting enough good quality sleep
- having high levels of stress
- having certain health conditions, such as metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome
- inheriting genes that increase the risk of obesity
- taking certain medications, such as birth control pills, insulin, or beta-blockers
- environmental factors, such as living in an area with lots of fast food restaurants or inaccessible sidewalks
The NDSS suggests that the following strategies may help treat and prevent obesity in a person who has Down syndrome:
- using healthy ingredients that increase bulk in meals, such as fruits, vegetables, and other sources of fiber
- eating smaller portions
- increasing water intake
- reducing snacking between meals
- preparing meals at home
- not using food as a reward
A person’s friends or family may also try:
- encouraging adults with Down syndrome to monitor their own weight
- introducing a daily exercise routine based around the person’s interests or skills
- informing supervisors at work or school about the person’s treatment plan
Certain health conditions may contribute to obesity in a person with Down syndrome.
If a person has hypothyroidism, their doctor may recommend treatment for the condition. If a person notices they gain weight after taking medication for a mental health condition, they may want to speak with their doctor about switching medications or trying other treatments.
A person who has Down syndrome may be
Obesity has several possible causes in a person who has Down syndrome. These may include hypothyroidism, increased leptin levels, and
A person who has Down syndrome and obesity may find eating smaller portions and increasing the amount they exercise beneficial. Additionally, they should consider speaking with their doctor about potential treatments for any underlying conditions they have that may be contributing to obesity.