This Rare Condition Causes Extreme, Insatiable Hunger

The Rao family in Maryland knew that something was different about their younger daughter, Ayoni, almost as soon as she was born. But it took them until she was five to get a diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes extreme, insatiable hunger. Food needs to be locked away from many of these patients, or they might eat until their stomachs actually rupture. Dan visits the Raos at their home to learn more about how they manage Ayoni’s condition, then cooks and eats dinner with the family. Dan also talks with Zayd Anwarzai, a 25-year-old with PWS, about what it’s like when he knows he’s eaten enough, but his stomach tells him otherwise. And Dan speaks with Dr. Jennifer Miller, the leading PWS expert in the country.

Check out Colors of Hope, the organization that Dini Rao founded to help families of color who are living with PWS.

The Sporkful production team includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Kameel Stanley, Jared O'Connell, and Glydel Go.

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