Physical Activity, Dietary Intake, and the Insulin Resistance Syndrome in Nondiabetic Adults With Mental Retardation

Abstract

The association between physical activity, dietary behaviors, and elevated cardiovascular disease risk factor components of the insulin resistance syndrome in adults with mental retardation was identified. Established clinical cutoff points were used to identify 145 participants with mild mental retardation and hyperinsulinemia, borderline high triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertension, and abdominal obesity. Odds ratios were calculated from logistic regression analysis. Those who participated in more frequent bouts of physical activity or who consumed lower dietary fat intakes were approximately one third as likely to have hyperinsulinemia and abdominal obesity compared to those who participated in less frequent physical activity or who consumed higher fat intakes, suggesting that these behaviors are protective against elevated components of the insulin resistance syndrome.

Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs

“…40,41,45,55,68 Comorbid conditions such as obesity or endocrine disorders that require nutrition interventions are also more likely to develop as the population ages. 22 Poor nutrition-related health habits, limited access to services, and long-term polypharmacy are considered significant health risk factors.…”

Factors Associated with Obesity and Coronary Heart Disease in People with Intellectual Disabilities

“…Studies have shown that people with intellectual disabilities have a high prevalence of overweight and obesity (Rimmer & Wang, 2005;Yamaki, 2005). Several factors may contribute to this pattern, including living in community versus institutional settings (Krauss & Seltzer, 1986;Janicki & Jacobson, 1986;Levy et al, 2006); engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as adopting poor diets and physical activity patterns (Pitetti, Rimmer, & Fernhall, 1993;Draheim, McCubbin, & Williams, 2002;Draheim, Williams, & McCubbin, 2002a;Draheim, Williams, & McCubbin, 2002b); and being treated with certain psychotropic medications (Spreat, Conroy, & Fullerton, 2004). However, few studies have explored these and other clinical and behavioral characteristics as potential risk factors for obesity and CHD in samples of people with ID with different levels of intellectual impairment and origin of impairment (Merriman, Haw, Kirk, & Stubbs, 2005;Draheim et al, 2002).…”

Parents’ perceptions of health and physical activity needs of children with Down syndrome

“…Other studies also showed improvements in muscle strength following training programmes for individuals with Down syndrome [19,20] . Draheim REPORTS bin [50] found reduced risk of hyperinsulinemia and abdominal obesity in adults with mental retardation (with and without Down syndrome) who were moderately to vigorously physically active at least five days per week and consumed lower dietary fat intakes. Together, these studies suggest that physical activity or exercise training can increase physical fitness in individuals with Down syndrome.…”