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Eating behavior in Prader-Willi syndrome, normal weight, and obese control groups
A C Lindgren1, B Barkeling, A Hägg
1Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women and Child Health, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|July 13, 2000
Summary
Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) exhibit distinct eating behaviors, including slower eating and non-decelerating eating patterns. These findings suggest reduced satiation may contribute to hyperphagia in PWS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterized by hyperphagia, often attributed to hypothalamic dysfunction.
- Studying eating behavior in PWS can provide insights into hypothalamic control of appetite.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the microstructure of eating behavior in individuals with PWS.
- To compare eating patterns in PWS with those of obese and normal-weight control groups.
Main Methods:
- Nine subjects with PWS and control groups (obese and normal weight) consumed a standardized meal.
- Eating behavior was continuously monitored using a hidden scale connected to a computer, generating eating curves.
- Data analysis included calculating consumption amount, duration, eating rate, and deceleration patterns.
Main Results:
- Subjects with PWS demonstrated significantly longer eating durations and slower initial eating rates compared to controls.
- A higher percentage of PWS subjects (56%) exhibited non-decelerating eating curves (linear or accelerating) versus controls (10-30%).
Conclusions:
- The eating microstructure in PWS differs significantly from obese and normal-weight individuals.
- Altered eating behavior in PWS may stem from diminished satiation rather than increased hunger.
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