Diabetes Management and Research / Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Research · Journal article
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift · September 9, 2026
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This is a small, retrospective, single-centre feasibility report of a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention in 9 adults with Down syndrome and obesity, of whom only 5 completed follow-up assessments. No statistically significant changes were observed in anthropometric, body composition, dietary, or biochemical parameters at 5 or 10 months, though descriptive data suggest reductions in fat and visceral fat in the 3 participants who achieved >5% weight loss and self-reported improvements in nutritional awareness.
Retrospective observational study. Adults aged ≥18 years with genetically confirmed Down syndrome and overweight or obesity (BMI >25 kg/m²) attending a specialized outpatient clinic.. Intervention: Multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention comprising individual nutritional counselling, nutrition and cooking workshops, supervised physical activity, psychological support, and caregiver involvement.. n = 5.
Mean baseline BMI was 36.0 ± 6.0 kg/m²; mean body weight decreased from 81.5 to 78.9 kg 3 of 5 completing participants achieved clinically relevant weight loss (>5% of baseline body weight) No statistically significant changes observed in anthropometric, body composition, dietary, or biochemical outcomes
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This study provides preliminary feasibility evidence that multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions may be implementable in adults with Down syndrome in a specialized setting; however, the small sample, high attrition, and absence of statistically significant metabolic outcomes mean it cannot yet inform clinical practice decisions. Larger prospective controlled studies are needed before recommending this approach.
A small, single-centre retrospective observational study with high attrition (5 of 9 completers) and no statistically significant changes in primary outcomes; feasibility and descriptive findings only.
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This study provides preliminary feasibility evidence that multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions may be implementable in adults with Down syndrome in a specialized setting; however, the small sample, high attrition, and absence of statistically significant metabolic outcomes mean it cannot yet inform clinical practice decisions. Larger prospective controlled studies are needed before recommending this approach.
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Summary Background Adults with Down syndrome are at increased risk of obesity and cardiometabolic disease; however, evidence regarding effective lifestyle interventions remains limited. This study evaluated the outcomes of a multidisciplinary lifestyle program incorporating nutritional therapy in adults with Down syndrome attending a specialized outpatient clinic. Methods This retrospective observational study included adults with genetically confirmed Down syndrome aged ≥ 18 years with overweight or obesity (body mass index, BMI> 25 kg/m 2 ) who participated in a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention between October 2016 and October 2017. The program combined individual nutritional counselling, nutrition and cooking workshops, supervised physical activity, psychological support, and caregiver involvement. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, dietary intake, and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline, 5 months and 10 months. Results In this study nine participants met the inclusion criteria and five completed the intervention and follow-up assessments. Mean baseline BMI was 36.0 ± 6.0 kg/m 2. Mean body weight decreased from 81.5 to 78.9 kg, and 3 participants achieved clinically relevant weight loss (> 5% of baseline body weight). No statistically significant changes were observed in anthropometric, body composition, dietary, or biochemical outcomes. Descriptive analyses indicated reductions in fat mass and visceral fat among participants achieving weight loss. Participants also reported improvements in nutritional awareness, healthier food choices, and meal preparation practices. Conclusion This retrospective study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention incorporating nutritional therapy for adults with Down syndrome and obesity in a specialized outpatient setting. The findings provide preliminary clinical experience regarding the provision of a tailored interventional approach in this population. Larger prospective studies are required to further evaluate multidisciplinary lifestyle programs and their long-term relevance for metabolic health and quality of life.
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