Prader–Willi Syndrome
Artist: Raymond S.
Artwork description:
Children with Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) often display an insatiable appetite and obesity, which the artist captures through figures caught stealing food. The work reflects not gluttony, but the biological drive of a disorder rooted deep within the brain’s hunger center.


Disease Introduction: Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS)
Type: Genetic neurodevelopmental and endocrine disorder
Affected Systems: CNS, metabolism, endocrine system

Symptoms:
Infancy: hypotonia, weak cry, feeding difficulties, growth delay. Childhood: hyperphagia, severe obesity, short stature, small hands and feet. Hypogonadism, delayed or incomplete puberty
Learning disability, behavioral issues (temper, compulsivity). Sleep disturbance, low metabolism, emotional dysregulation.
Cause:
Loss of paternal gene expression in chromosome 15q11-q13 (via deletion or maternal uniparental disomy), impairing hypothalamic regulation of hunger, hormones, and growth.
Treatment:
Caloric restriction and nutrition plans to control obesity.
Growth hormone therapy to improve height and muscle mass.
Sex hormone replacement when indicated.
Behavioral and psychological therapy to manage emotional and compulsive eating.
Physical therapy to maintain strength.
Monitoring for diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart disease.