MORE ABOUT PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME

One in every 15 000 people are affected by Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), says Dr Engela Honey, a paediatrician at Pretoria University’s department of genetics.

“It’s the most common genetic cause of life-threatening obesity in children.”

There’s no concrete proof for what causes it and, as with other syndromes, there’s no cure.

“The condition is present at birth and anyone can get it, regardless of family, race or gender. It can’t be prevented.”

PWS is characterised by a deficiency in active genetic material in chromosome 15.

This results in a malfunction in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls appetite and the sensation of being full, as well as in other areas of the brain.

“People with this condition never feel sated. They have a constant urge to eat more and can’t control it.”

Research into PWS is ongoing, Dr Honey says. “The replacement of growth hormones is a positive breakthrough in its treatment, but unfortunately it’s expensive and many patients can’t afford it.”