Prader-Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder that results in continual hunger, low sex hormone levels and a lack of muscle tone. Prader-Willi syndrome often results in obesity. The disorder is present at birth and is believed to be the result of a chromosomal abnormality.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prader-willi-syndrome/DS00922/DSECTION=causes This page offers an overview of Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Prader-Willi Syndrome manifests in some children and adults in a number of ways. Primarily, adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome will exhibit a constant hunger. Prader-Willi Syndrome affects the area of the brain that controls the ability to correctly feel full and/or feel hunger - so those with Prader-Willi Syndrome do not realize when they've eaten enough.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/praderwillisyndrome.html Obesity is a common side effect of the disorder, and treatment may focus on exercise and nutrition, to try and regulate eating and help those with Prader-Willi gain muscle tone and lose weight.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prader-willi-syndrome/DS00922/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

In 2010, Prader-Willi syndrome was brought to the forefront of the news with the case of 20-year-old Matthew Hummel. Hummel has Prader-Willi syndrome and he has the ravenous hunger that often accompanies the disorder. As a result, Hummel had visited the kitchens and garbages of his neighbors looking for food. Some neighbors were upset with the behavior and one reportedly filed a criminal complaint against Hummel for breaking and entering. Hummel could be institutionalized as a result.http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20011603-10391704.html

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.