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Understanding obesity in individuals with down syndrome: Caregiver perceptions, awareness, and motivation.
Nutrients 18:1727 (2026)
Background: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at an increased risk
of obesity and, subsequently, its cardiometabolic and cognitive
impacts. Caregivers play a critical role in managing health, yet their
perceptions and behaviors have been poorly characterized. Methods: We
performed a cross-sectional online survey of caregivers (n
= 764) taking care of 48% females and 52% males with DS, conducted
across European populations, predominantly in Spain and France. We
assessed perceived obesity, perceived harmfulness of current weight,
professional consultation, and confidence in promoting healthy
behaviors. Associations were examined using chi-square tests,
correlation analysis, and ordinal and logistic regression models.
Results: Around one-third (32%) of caregivers perceived their family
member with DS with obesity. Perceived obesity changed with age and was
more frequently reported in female family members with DS. Awareness of
general metabolic risk factors was high among caregivers, but half of
respondents were unaware that abdominal fat affects brain health.
Consultation with healthcare professionals was uncommon (57%
“Never/Rarely/Sometimes”) even among those perceived with obesity.
Conclusions: Caregivers demonstrate good general awareness about high
energy food risks but limited knowledge of the link between obesity and
brain health. Enhancing caregiver education and supporting behavioral
change could promote healthier lifestyles in families with individuals
with DS.
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Publication type
Article: Journal article
Document type
Scientific Article
Keywords
Ordered Logit ; Obesity ; Ordinal Regression ; Logistic Regression ; Perception ; Cognition ; Risk Perception ; Abdominal Obesity ; Computer-assisted Web Interviewing
ISSN (print) / ISBN
2072-6643
e-ISSN
2072-6643
Journal
Nutrients
Quellenangaben
Volume: 18,
Issue: 11,
Article Number: 1727
Publisher
MDPI
Publishing Place
Basel
Reviewing status
Peer reviewed
Institute(s)
Institute of Experimental Genetics (IEG)