Dietary Patterns and Lifestyle Factors as Determinants of Body Mass Index and Body Composition in Individuals with Down Syndrome-A Study Across Three Clinical Sites.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the DS cohort was higher compared to the general population.

• 230 males/females with DS aged 12-45 years were recruited across three geographically independent sites
• 185 participants were considered for the final analysis and classified into normal-weight, overweight, and obese categories
• The study used country-specific food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) to assess diet quality and nutrient intake
• The finding corroborates existing literature reporting high prevalence of obesity in individuals with Down Syndrome

Higher BMIs in individuals with Down Syndrome were significantly correlated with older age.

• The correlation between higher BMI and older age was statistically significant at p < 0.001
• Participants ranged in age from 12 to 45 years
• The study recruited across three geographically independent clinical sites

Higher BMIs in individuals with Down Syndrome were significantly correlated with lower physical activity levels.

• The association between higher BMI and lower physical activity was statistically significant at p < 0.05
• Physical activity was assessed using the Minnesota Leisure Time Activity Questionnaire
• This finding indicates physical activity as a contributor to overweight/obesity in DS individuals

Higher BMIs in individuals with Down Syndrome were significantly correlated with higher parental BMIs.

• Mother's BMI was significantly associated with higher BMI in DS individuals at p < 0.001
• Father's BMI was significantly associated with higher BMI in DS individuals at p < 0.05
• This suggests a familial influence on weight-related outcomes in individuals with Down Syndrome

Excess body weight in individuals with Down Syndrome showed an inverse association only with protein intake among dietary macronutrients.

• The inverse association between excess body weight and protein intake was statistically significant at p < 0.001
• No significant differences were found in total caloric intake across BMI categories
• No significant differences emerged in other macronutrient intakes across BMI categories
• Diet quality and nutrient intake were calculated using country-specific FFQs

Higher BMIs in individuals with Down Syndrome were correlated with increased adiposity indicators.

• Body composition measures were obtained using a bioimpedance scale
• Increased adiposity indicators were significantly associated with higher BMI categories
• The study classified participants into normal-weight, overweight, and obese categories

Notable differences in dietary patterns were observed among the three study countries, reflecting cultural influences.

• The three sites were geographically independent and located in different countries
• Country-specific FFQs were used to assess dietary patterns, accounting for cultural dietary differences
• Cultural influences were identified as relevant factors in dietary patterns among individuals with DS
• These findings suggest that culturally adapted lifestyle interventions may be needed to improve weight-related outcomes

An exploratory sub-study suggested a potential relationship between higher IQ scores and better diet quality in individuals with Down Syndrome.

• The association between higher IQ scores and better diet quality was statistically significant at p < 0.05
• This was described as a 'smaller exploratory sub-study,' indicating a preliminary finding
• The finding suggests cognitive ability may influence dietary quality in individuals with DS