Be Aware of the Prader-Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic cause of life-threatening obesity in kids. PWS is another abnormality on the 15th chromosome and it can happen to both women and men, no matter the race.

Almost one in 12,000 to 15,000 people has this disorder, according to Prader-Willi Association (USA). Even though PWS is considered a “rare” disorder, it is a very common condition in genetics clinics. This syndrome is also the most common genetic condition that causes obesity.

Apparently people who have PWS never feel full, having a continuous urge to eat which they can’t learn to control. Other side-effects of this disease are low muscle tone, incomplete sexual development, and short stature if patients are not treated with growth hormone.

PWS is diagnosed through a specialized genetic test on a blood sample. Doctors say that in the first years children with Prader-Willi syndrome can go to a regular school, but it is uncertain how they will evolve.

More research into Prader-Willi syndrome could help medical experts understand pathways between stomach and brain. Since May is PWS awareness month, there are many campaigns and fund raising across US. You can help too.