OVERWEIGHT PREVALENCE IN PERSONS WITH DOWN-SYNDROME

Prevalence of overweight among the general population has been reporte d to be 33% for males and 36% for females. We undertook this study to establish overweight prevalence data in a cohort with Down syndrome an d to stratify the incidence of overweight by living arrangement. We me asured Body Mass Index (BMI) in 283 persons with Down syndrome and fou nd a higher prevalence of overweight in this group compared to the gen eral population. Individuals with Down syndrome living in a family set ting had a higher incidence of overweight than did those living in a g roup home setting. Overweight prevalence among persons with Down syndr ome should be considered a major public health concern that warrants f urther attention from researchers, practitioners, family members, and individuals with Down syndrome.