Obesity in children with Down syndrome: background and recommendations for management.

Children with Down syndrome have a higher risk for developing obesity. The primary care provider can assist the family in preventing or managing obesity by recognizing the physiological and behavioral factors that place children and adolescents with Down syndrome at increased risk to become obese, and establishing a screening and management plan early to prevent or treat excess weight gain. By using adapted strategies, the negative physiological and psychological outcomes associated with obesity may be lessened or avoided in this specific population.