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Obesity and associated factors in adults with intellectual disability
Author(s) -
Hsieh K.,
Rimmer J. H.,
Heller T.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of intellectual disability research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.941
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1365-2788
pISSN - 0964-2633
DOI - 10.1111/jir.12100
Subject(s) - obesity , overweight , medicine , body mass index , intellectual disability , population , gerontology , demography , environmental health , psychiatry , sociology
Background We examined the prevalence of obesity in adults with intellectual disabilities ( ID ) compared with the general population, and the factors associated with obesity and weight management status, comparing individuals with ID who were overweight or obese to those who were not. Methods We analysed baseline data ( n = 1450) from the ongoing 4‐year L ongitudinal H ealth and I ntellectual D isabilities S tudy ( LHIDS ) using a multivariate approach. Measures included body mass index ( BMI ), demographics, level of ID , diagnoses related to ID , health behaviours (i.e. physical activity, dietary habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption), various health parameters (e.g. mobility limitation, medications), and residential type and location. Results Compared with the general population, adults (≥18 years) with ID had a higher prevalence of obesity (38.3% vs. 28%) and morbid obesity (7.4% vs. 4.2%). Being female ( AOR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.09–1.81), having D own syndrome ( AOR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.86–3.45), taking medications that cause weight gain ( AOR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.38–2.37), engaging in less moderate physical activity ( AOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.79–0.99), and drinking greater amounts of soda ( AOR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.02–1.42) were associated with higher rates of obesity. Conclusion Adults with ID , in general, have a high risk of developing obesity, and women with ID have a high risk of developing morbid obesity. Health promotion initiatives should target individuals with the greatest risk.