Funding outcome

Individuals with a genetic condition called Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) are at risk to develop obesity at a young age. Weight gain is the result of an imbalance between the amount of calories consumed _and the amount of calories used throughout the day, which overtime can cause changes in weight. Children with PWS often have a very high calorie intake because of the constant feeling of hunger many children with PWS experience. However, even children with PWS who limit their intake of calories can still gain excessive amounts of weight. A reason for this may be because children with PWS use fewer calories than healthy children; however, this is not fully understood yet. It is thought that children with PWS use calories differently, including when it comes to digesting and absorbing food by the body. Our study will look at whether children with PWS expend less calories after consuming a meal than children without PWS. The type of foods eaten can affect the calories used after a meal. Foods high in protein usually result in a higher amount of calories used after a meal. As well, high protein foods are known to decrease the feeling of hunger. Therefore, our study will also determine if a high protein meal can increase calories used and reduce feelings of hunger in children with and without PWS. The results of this study could be used to develop specific diets for children with PWS that helps reduce curbing excessive weight gain and hunger.