Understanding Obesity in Individuals with Down Syndrome: Caregiver Perceptions, Awareness, and Motivation

Abstract

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: = 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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BibTeX RIS

BibTeX

@article{cahill2026understanding,
  title = {{Understanding Obesity in Individuals with Down Syndrome: Caregiver Perceptions, Awareness, and Motivation}},
  author = {Thomas Cahill and Valerie Nalesso and Pat Clarke and Maria Martinez de Lagran and Andre Strydom and Li Chan and Marie-Claude Potier and Johannes Beckers and Klaus Langohr and Pietro Liò and Rafael de La Torre and Laura Forcano and Anne Hiance-Delahaye and Yann Hérault and Mara Dierssen},
  journal = {Nutrients},
  year = {2026},
  month = may,
  doi = {10.3390/nu18111727},
  url = {https://hal.science/hal-05844247v1},
  note = {CC BY},
}

RIS

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Understanding Obesity in Individuals with Down Syndrome: Caregiver Perceptions, Awareness, and Motivation
AU  - Thomas Cahill
AU  - Valerie Nalesso
AU  - Pat Clarke
AU  - Maria Martinez de Lagran
AU  - Andre Strydom
AU  - Li Chan
AU  - Marie-Claude Potier
AU  - Johannes Beckers
AU  - Klaus Langohr
AU  - Pietro Liò
AU  - Rafael de La Torre
AU  - Laura Forcano
AU  - Anne Hiance-Delahaye
AU  - Yann Hérault
AU  - Mara Dierssen
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/05/28
JO  - Nutrients
DO  - 10.3390/nu18111727
UR  - https://hal.science/hal-05844247v1
AB  - 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: = 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.
SN  - 2072-6643
ER  -

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