Prader-Willi Syndrome Nutrition Support | Specialized RDN Care
Our consulting dietitians at K&A Nutrition offer individualized nutrition management and behavioral support for individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Our RDNs develop low-calorie, high-protein meal plans, implement controlled feeding environments, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address hyperphagia and promote healthy growth.
Our PWS Program Includes:
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Customized meal planning and snack protocols
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Behavior modification strategies for controlled intake
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Family education and caregiver training
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Ongoing monitoring of growth, metabolic health, and body composition
For each home we provide:
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3 - 4 weeks of detailed menus with recipe guidelines
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Grocery shopping advice
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Prader-Willie Expectations for clients, home, and house staff
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Out-to-Eat menus and meal plans in various caloric values
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Holiday and Party menus with recipe guidelines
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Low-calorie dessert recipes and food recipes provided outside of the menus
Our goal with Prader-Willi clients is to make their lives and the lives of their family members as normal as possible. We believe we can help our Prader-Willi clients maintain balance and a healthy weight, while still being able to experience things like going out to eat, going to school, or going to work every day.
What is Prader-Willi Syndrome?
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is the most common known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity in children. Although the cause is complex it results from an abnormality on the 15th chromosome. It occurs in males and females equally and in all races. Prevalence estimates have ranged from 1:8,000 to 1:25,000 with the most likely figure being 1:15,000. PWS typically causes low muscle tone, short stature if not treated with growth hormone, incomplete sexual development, and a chronic feeling of hunger that, coupled with a metabolism that utilizes drastically fewer calories than normal, can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity. The food compulsion makes constant supervision necessary. Average IQ is 70, but even those with normal IQs almost all have learning issues. Social and motor deficits also exist. At birth the infant typically has low birth weight for gestation, hypotonia (weak muscles), and difficulty sucking due to the hypotonia which can lead to a diagnosis of failure to thrive. The second stage ("thriving too well"), has a typical onset between the ages of two and five, but can be later. The hyperphagia (extreme unsatisfied drive to consume food) lasts throughout the lifetime. Children with PWS have sweet and loving personalities, but this phase is also characterized by increased appetite, weight control issues, and motor development delays along with some behavior problems and unique medical issues. To learn more, visit the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association website.