Luis ManuelA ten-month-old Mexican boy weighing 30 kg, probably due to the presence of Prader-Willi syndrome
Country: Mexico
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The story of Luis Manuel
Luis Manuel, a ten-month-old Mexican boy weighing 30 kg, is likely to be named the 'heaviest baby in the world' due to his weight reaching 30 kg at the age of 10 months. If Luis Manuel were nine years old, his weight would be considered normal. However, this constantly hungry baby is not even a year old yet. Living in Tecoman, Colima, Mexico, Luis resembles a little mammoth. He was only a month old when his parents had to buy clothes intended for two-year-old children. The boy was gaining weight at lightning speed, causing concerns among doctors. Medical professionals suspect that Manuel has Prader-Willi syndrome, an incurable condition that can cause heart attacks in children. This rare genetic disorder results in multiple problems, including constant hunger, reduced muscle tone, and limited growth. Luis's poor family had to start a campaign to raise funds for their son's medical treatment, although his diagnosis has not been confirmed yet. It is believed that the Mexican boy may become the 'heaviest child in the world', but no official statements have been made. The treatment program will include a series of hormone injections, estimated to cost around $530. At birth, Manuel weighed 3.5 kg, but according to his mother, Isabel Mantoa, her child started gaining weight before her eyes. She says, "Within a month, we realized that our baby did not fit in clothes meant for children his age. We had to buy clothes for one-year-olds and even two-year-olds." "We watched Luis gain weight at such a rapid pace. Sometimes he cannot fall asleep because he feels like the weight is literally choking him." Doctors say that a weight of 30 kg is normal for nine-year-olds, but not for someone who still has a couple of months before their first birthday. Manuel has undergone a series of tests, but apart from the assumption of Prader-Willi syndrome, no clear deviations have been found. This genetic disorder is associated with the loss of function of certain genes, which leads to constant hunger, often resulting in obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes. Doctors believe that Luis will be the first officially registered Prader-Willi patient in Tecoman. Mario Gonzalez, the boy's father, is concerned about the potential consequences of his son's illness. "In some cases, children have died from a heart attack caused by excess weight," Mario said. "Any help, big or small, provided to our son will be for his benefit." The family has opened a bank account so that well-wishers can donate any amount for Luis's care. Isabel can also be contacted on social media. Mario assures that information about donations will be updated constantly to show where the donors' money is going. Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes an insatiable hunger, growth problems, and decreased muscle tone. Among other potential difficulties are learning difficulties, lack of sexual maturation, and behavioral problems, including tantrums and stubbornness. The condition affects one in every 15,000 children born in England. Since little is known about treatment methods, the main focus remains on managing symptoms. Parents of affected children must instill healthy eating habits and encourage a balanced diet. Children with Prader-Willi syndrome can consume up to six times more food than their peers and still not feel satiated.