Overview
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic condition that affects your child’s metabolism and causes changes to their body and behavior. They have severe low muscle tone and poor feeding during early infancy, followed by a tremendous appetite that develops between 2 and 6 years of age. This can lead to severe obesity if excessive eating isn’t managed.
PWS typically also causes a delay in childhood milestones and puberty. Although rare, life-threatening complications can occur and include respiratory illnesses, obesity-related cardiovascular problems, sleep apnea and diabetes.
Who does Prader-Willi syndrome affect?
Anyone can develop Prader-Willi syndrome because it’s a genetic condition that happens randomly when reproductive cells form. In rare cases, you can inherit the condition if it runs in your biological family history.
How common is Prader-Willi syndrome?
Throughout the world, PWS affects an estimated 1 in 10,000 to 30,000 people.
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