AACE MENA 2025-Obesity Management in Persons with Special Needs

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Video Summary

The presentation addressed obesity management in individuals with special needs, focusing on trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disabilities. Children and adults with mobility or intellectual impairments are at heightened obesity risk, with rates as high as 86% in trisomy 21 patients. Challenges include limited healthy food choices, medication effects, physical limitations, and lack of accessible environments. Case studies highlighted treatment approaches involving medication (metformin, liraglutide, semaglutide, exenatide), lifestyle modifications, and surgery, stressing the importance of family support and long-term follow-up. Expert recommendations for trisomy 21 emphasize routine obesity screening from age two, individualized exercise, dietary assessment, and multi-component behavioral interventions. Management plans must address comorbidities, environmental controls, and tailored physical activities. Limited research exists on medication and surgical efficacy in this population, underscoring the need for collaborative multidisciplinary care. Early healthy habits, goal setting, and avoiding food-reward systems are crucial in managing obesity among those with special needs.

Keywords

obesity management

trisomy 21

autism spectrum disorder

intellectual disabilities

medication treatments

multidisciplinary care