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Outcomes of a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention in adults with Down syndrome : A retrospective observational
Barbara Bauer1, Alexandra Thajer2
1Outpatient clinic for individuals with Down syndrome at Klinik Landstraße, Vienna, Austria.
Background:
Adults with Down syndrome are at increased risk of obesity and cardiometabolic disease; however, evidence regarding effective lifestyle interventions remains limited. This study evaluated the outcomes of a multidisciplinary lifestyle program incorporating nutritional therapy in adults with Down syndrome attending a specialized outpatient clinic.
Methods:
This retrospective observational study included adults with genetically confirmed Down syndrome aged ≥ 18 years with overweight or obesity (body mass index, BMI> 25 kg/m2) who participated in a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention between October 2016 and October 2017. The program combined individual nutritional counselling, nutrition and cooking workshops, supervised physical activity, psychological support, and caregiver involvement. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, dietary intake, and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline, 5 months and 10 months.
Results:
In this study nine participants met the inclusion criteria and five completed the intervention and follow-up assessments. Mean baseline BMI was 36.0 ± 6.0 kg/m2. Mean body weight decreased from 81.5 to 78.9 kg, and 3 participants achieved clinically relevant weight loss (> 5% of baseline body weight). No statistically significant changes were observed in anthropometric, body composition, dietary, or biochemical outcomes. Descriptive analyses indicated reductions in fat mass and visceral fat among participants achieving weight loss. Participants also reported improvements in nutritional awareness, healthier food choices, and meal preparation practices.
Conclusion:
This retrospective study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention incorporating nutritional therapy for adults with Down syndrome and obesity in a specialized outpatient setting. The findings provide preliminary clinical experience regarding the provision of a tailored interventional approach in this population. Larger prospective studies are required to further evaluate multidisciplinary lifestyle programs and their long-term relevance for metabolic health and quality of life.
