Hyperphagia is a defining feature of PWS, characterized by an intense, persistent sensation of hunger, along with3:
Food
preoccupation
An extreme drive to
consume food
Food-related behavior
problems
Lack of
normal satiety
While food preoccupation is known to be a defining aspect of PWS-related hyperphagia, this behavior can often go unrecognized.3,4
Food preoccupation is characterized by:
- Constant thoughts about food interfering with daily activities4
- Excessive talking about food, even outside of normal mealtimes3
- Repetitive questions regarding what will be eaten and when3
- Persistence in seeking food3
He’s damaged dishes because we wouldn’t give in on giving food. It’s not him. It’s the PWS.
- Caregiver of a loved one with PWS
References: 1. Driscoll DJ, Miller JL, Cassidy SB. Prader-Willi Syndrome. 1998 Oct 6 [Updated 2023 Nov 2]. In: Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, et al. GeneReviews® Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024. 2. Dykens EM, Roof E, Hunt-Hawkins H. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases (2024),19:83. 3. Schwartz L, Caixas A, Dimitropoulos A, et al. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (2021) 13:25 4. Dykens EM, Maxwell MA, Pantino E, et al. Obesity. 2007;15:1816–1826.