Prader-Willi Syndrome

• What is Prader-Willi syndrome?
• How common is Prader-Willi syndrome?
• Can Prader-Willi syndrome be inherited?
• Where can I find information about treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome?
• Where can I find additional information about Prader-Willi syndrome?
• What other names do people use for Prader-Willi syndrome?
• What if I still have specific questions about Prader-Willi syndrome?
• Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?
• What glossary definitions help with understanding Prader-Willi syndrome?

What is Prader-Willi syndrome?

Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic condition that affects many parts of the body. In infancy, this condition is characterized by weak muscle tone (hypotonia), feeding difficulties, poor growth, and delayed development. Beginning in childhood, affected individuals develop an insatiable appetite and chronic overeating (hyperphagia). As a result, most experience rapid weight gain leading to obesity. People with Prader-Willi syndrome typically have mental retardation or learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Many people with this disorder also have distinctive facial features and short stature. The genitals in both males and females are underdeveloped, and most affected individuals are unable to conceive children (infertile). Additionally, some people with Prader-Willi syndrome have unusually fair skin and light-colored hair.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Obesity - Learn about obesity and being overweight including the health risks, causes, review of weight loss diet plans, surgical and non-surgical treatments, and medications to treat the disease.
• Learning Disabilities - Read about learning disabilities, like the skills affected such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, reasoning, and mathematics. Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is included.
• Genetic Disease - Learn about genetic disease caused by abnormalities in an individual's genome. There are four types of genetic inheritance, single, multifactoral, chromosome abnormalities, and mitochondrial inheritance. Genetic testing is available for some genetic diseases.

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