Down Syndrome Awareness: Tips on How To Stay Healthy With Trisomy 21

Individuals diagnosed with down syndrome or Trisomy 21 are given a special diet that can provide appropriate nourishment. People with down syndrome are advised to follow a specific diet that's ideal for their body type.

Individuals with down syndrome are born with an extra copy of chromosome number 21. The extra chromosome affects their brain development that may lead to physical deformities. Due to their unnatural cognitive development, people with down syndrome are more likely to be overweight as they also possess high risk of obesity.

To have their obesity risk at bay, those with down syndrome are advised to exercise and follow a balanced, guided diet according to Ability Path. People with down syndrome follow a guided meal plan which varies and change as they age.

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia published Lauren White's journey to wellness. Lauren is diagnosed with down syndrome, and her weight loss journey lead her into losing 48 pounds. Her inspiring story shed light to other individuals with down syndrome to take better care of themselves. Her weight loss journey created a positive impact and boosted her self-confidence wherein she became an active advocate for wellness on individuals with down syndrome.

 Lauren shared that her parents and her doctor encouraged her to lose weight. When she was asked about her preference when it comes to her workout routine, Lauren answered that she prefers to go to the gym.

 "I have been doing a walking program at home with some videos I enjoy. It is a walking plan and I walk up to 5 miles during each exercise session. The workouts last between 45 minutes to 1 hour and I do them every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I swim at the Ridley YMCA from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m."