Evaluation of an Approach to Weight Loss in Adults With Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Of 79 overweight adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who participated in a weight loss intervention, 73 completed the 6-month diet phase. The emphasis in the intervention was consumption of high volume, low calorie foods and beverages, including meal-replacement shakes. Lower calorie frozen entrees were recommended to control portion size. A walking activity was encouraged. Participants attended monthly meetings in which a small amount of cash was exchanged for self-recorded intake and exercise records completed on picture-based forms. Average weight loss was 13.2 pounds (6.3%) of baseline weight at 6 months, with weight loss shown by 64 of the 73 individuals enrolled. Those completing a 6-month follow-up phase showed weight loss of 9.4% of baseline. Increased choice and control are discussed as possible contributors to individual success.

A comparison of two weight management programs for adults with mobility impairments

“…25 Overall, the SLDm diet group lost more weight than the UC diet group during the intervention phase (median of 13.0 vs. 7.0 pounds) and was able to maintain the loss, or lose more, during the 12-month follow up. In addition, among those who lost weight, the SLDm diet group lost significantly more than the UC diet group, at both measurement points.…”

“…All participants were encouraged to regularly drink water or other zero calorie beverages and to exercise. One diet, referred to as the modified Stop Light Diet (SLDm diet), followed the model used successfully by Saunders et al 25 with adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This diet consisted of:…”

Weight management for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Rationale and design for an 18month randomized trial

“…Based on our pilot study it is anticipated data recording and reporting will require approximately 5 minutes per day to complete [26]. Daily data regarding the use of meal plans, the number of PMs (entrees/shakes), fruits, and vegetables consumed and physical activity (pedometer steps: pedometer provided/minutes) recorded by participants and their study partner and weekly totals will be summarized by study staff.…”

“…Blood chemistry will only be assessed if consent is granted by the participant. All outcomes (including blood samples) will be assessed at the participant’s home during a single visit by study staff blinded to condition; the same protocol we used successfully in the pilot [26]. Based on the pilot study we estimate these assessments will require approximately 75 minutes to complete with the exception of accelerometry that will be assessed across 7 days.…”

“…Preliminary to this study our group conducted a 12-month pilot weight loss trial to evaluate an alternative dietary strategy in 73 individuals with mild to moderate IDD (BMI = 37.0 ± 8.4, age =31.6 ± 9.6 yrs., 56% female) [26]. Approximately 30% of participants lived at home, while others were in supported living consisting of 1–4 residents.…”