'Alarming’ Obesity Rate Seen In Kids With Down Syndrome

by Michelle Diament from Disability Scoop:
New research on a group of Dutch children with Down syndrome is calling attention to the staggering number of kids with the disorder who are overweight.
In a study of nearly 1,600 children with Down syndrome in the Netherlands, researchers found that those with the chromosomal disorder were on average twice as likely as their typically developing peers to be overweight or obese.
Starting at age 4, about a quarter of the children with Down syndrome studied were overweight, researchers report in the journal Pediatrics this week. That percentage remained consistent among older kids with the disorder as well.
Notably, researchers found a dramatic increase between the ages of 2 and 6 in the number of kids with Down syndrome who were overweight, a trend that was not as significant among typically developing kids. The rise occurred even among those with the disorder who were otherwise healthy.
It is unclear whether there are underlying biological factors making people with Down syndrome more likely to be overweight or purely lifestyle considerations at play, the study indicates, but researchers called the prevalence of kids who were overweight or obese “alarming.”
“Health care professionals should be aware of the risk … and should ensure that growth is monitored regularly in all children with (Down syndrome), thus enabling early detection of inappropriate weight gain and starting appropriate interventions where necessary,” researchers wrote.
Similarly high rates of obesity in children with special needs in the United States were reported last year. Domestically, researchers with the federal Health Resources and Services Administration found that more than 36 percent of kids ages 10 to 17 with special needs were overweight or obese compared to about 30 percent of other children

Foods for children with Down syndrome

By Jacqueline Silvestri Banks from Fox News:

In today’s three part series on diets for special needs, we will be taking a look at Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome are at a higher risk than the general population for certain health concerns.
Eating nourishing foods can help reduce some of the physical symptoms and increase overall health. Brain physiology and common health symptoms will be covered first, followed by important foods to include in their diets and which foods to avoid and why.
Down syndrome is categorized as a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome. According to the CDC the extra copy of chromosome, number 21, changes the brains normal development, causing mental and physical problems.
Information in the brain is transferred between neurons (synapses). Research has suggested that in Down syndrome the structure and function of the synapses are abnormal, causing cognitive defects.  It has been hypothesized that this abnormality is caused by one or more of the genes on the extra chromosome.
Reduced brain volume and smaller volumes in frontal and temporal lobes as well as the cerebellum also affect those with Down syndrome.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Genetics has noted that those with Down syndrome are likely to develop certain health problems. This is thought to happen as a result of body structures not developing normally.
Children with Down syndrome are likely to be overweight and have a higher risk of obesity. They burn calories at a slower rate and are frequently diagnosed with an under-active thyroid which can contribute to weight gain.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common among children with Down syndrome.  Symptoms include heartburn, sore throat, regurgitation and chest pain.
Gluten intolerance and celiac disease is also widespread and can lead to nutrient deficiency and an impaired immune system if dietary needs are avoided.  
Finally, periodontal disease becomes prevalent in adulthood so it is important to establish habits to eat foods that will decrease its likelihood.
To keep obesity at bay, feed children nutrient dense foods and limit junk food without nutritional value. A good rule of thumb is to eat ‘real food’ found in nature, and avoid man-made ‘food’ as much as possible.
Include healthy fats such as coconut and olive oil and even organic, pastured, butter containing butyric acid and omega 3 fatty acids.
For an under-active thyroid, an excellent choice is iodine rich seaweed. Seaweed snack packs are great for lunch boxes and kids love the salty taste. It can be used in salads, sprinkled on other food or used as a wrapper for healthy snacks.
Foods rich in vitamin C may help keep periodontal disease at bay. Citrus fruits (for those not suffering from GERD), strawberries, green peppers and broccoli are great choices and make easy finger foods.
Anti-microbial foods such as garlic, onion, thyme, oregano, tarragon and cinnamon are great to use on a regular basis to help kill bacteria that lead to tartar and plaque buildup.
Trigger foods for GERD should be avoided. Common culprits are citrus fruits and foods high in sugars and fat including chips, brownies, cookies, creamy dressings, ice cream, fatty cuts of meat, fried chicken nuggets and french fries.
A food journal is a useful tool for tracking any symptoms; this will help pinpoint exactly which foods to avoid. It will also help track any correlation between gluten and symptoms of celiac disease (diarrhea, stomach aches, bloating, irritability, skin rashes and mouth sores). Carefully read all food labels since gluten can lurk in unsuspected places such as soy sauce and remember that ‘wheat free’ does not mean gluten free.
Because there is an especially high incidence of celiac disease among those with Down syndrome, I suggest avoiding the introduction of gluten containing foods until at least the age of 18-24 months when a child’s digestive system is more developed.
These guidelines will help create a great nutritional foundation. As children with Down syndrome grow and gain independence, they will have the right tools to make good choices on their own.
For older children with established eating habits, start by making small changes to their diet. Making a complete change overnight is likely to lead to resistance and fade quickly, but subtle changes over time will make it easier on the child and the rest of the family to adjust to new eating habits.