Overweight prevalence in persons with Down syndrome.
Prevalence of overweight among the general population has been reported to be 33% for males and 36% for females. We undertook this study to establish overweight prevalence data in a cohort with Down syndrome and to stratify the incidence of overweight by living arrangement. We measured Body Mass Index (BMI) in 283 persons with Down syndrome and found a higher prevalence of overweight in this group compared to the general population. Individuals with Down syndrome living in a family setting had a higher incidence of overweight than did those living in a group home setting. Overweight prevalence among persons with Down syndrome should be considered a major public health concern that warrants further attention from researchers, practitioners, family members, and individuals with Down syndrome.
Rubin
S S
SS
rubin@uic.edu
Rimmer
J H
JH
Chicoine
B
B
Braddock
D
D
McGuire
D E
DE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment