An examination of the nutritional intake and anthropometric status of individuals with intellectual disabilities: Results from the SOPHIE study

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity appears greater in people with intellectual disabilities than those in the general population. This study aimed to examine the nutritional intake and anthropometric status of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants aged 16–64 years were recruited from intellectual disability service provider organizations ( n = 131). Data were collected using questionnaires; 4-day food dairies and weight, height and waist circumference measurements. Participants’ mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.4 kg/m2 ± 6.1, 2.4% were underweight, 22.6% were normal weight, 28.2% were overweight and 46.8% were obese. Having a diagnosis of Down syndrome ( p = 0.03) was associated with increasing BMI. Increasing waist circumference was associated with increasing severity of ID ( p = 0.04). The mean-reported energy intake was 1890 kcal/day. Mean energy intakes from sugar, fat and saturated fat were above recommendations and few participants met micronutrient recommended daily amounts. This study highlights the alarming prevalence of overweight and obesity and poor diet quality of individuals with intellectual disabilities.