Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider issues around obesity and overweight for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs).
Design/methodology/approach
A review of the literature is provided looking at issues around overweight and obesity for adults with IDs. Both prevalence studies and intervention studies were considered.
Findings
The prevalence of overweight and obesity is considerably higher for adults with IDs when compared to the general population. Intervention studies focusing on multiple components seem to be the most effective. However, future research should focus on randomised control trials taking into consideration the views of people with IDs.
Originality/value
This paper synthesizes some of the available evidence on obesity and overweight for adults with IDs providing clear recommendations for the future.
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health,Clinical Psychology,Developmental and Educational Psychology,Social Psychology,Pshychiatric Mental Health
Reference38 articles.
1. Medical disorders of adults with mental retardation: a population study;American Journal on Mental Retardation,1995
2. Body mass index in adults with intellectual disability: distribution, associations and service implications: a population based prevalence study;Journal of Intellectual Disability Research,2008
3. The effect of obesity on health outcomes;Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology,2010
4. An integrative review of multicomponent weight management interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities;Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities,2018
5. Underweight, obesity and exercise among adults with intellectual disabilities in supported accommodation in Northern England;Journal of Intellectual Disability Research,2005