WEIGHT-REDUCTION IN BOYS WITH MUSCULAR-DYSTROPHY

Many children with muscular dystrophy are overweight, and although weight control is pursued in some centers it is unusual to encourage severe dietary restriction for fear that it might lead to accelerated loss of muscle. In this study, 2 overweight boys with muscular dystrophy were monitored by whole-body N balance, total body K, strength and functional measurements during calorie restriction. Both patients had a transient loss of N on commencing the low calorie intake; thereafter, weight loss did not have any deleterious effect on muscle bulk or function in either patient. Controlled weight-reduction in obese children with muscular dystrophy is a safe and practical way of losing excess fat, which can improve mobility and self-esteem, and may possibly effect longevity.