Weight Status of a Group of Adults with Learning Disabilities

The weight status of a group of 35 adults with learning disabilities was studied. The group with varying degrees of learning disability, all lived in staffed health authority accommodation. Distribution of Body Mass Index (weight for height) was found to be polarised with greater numbers of both obese and underweight people than would be expected in the general British population. Weight status was clearly linked with level of dependency — the most dependent clients being the most underweight. Factors associated with low weight included assisted feeding, use of soft diets, food regurgitation and immobility. Obesity was linked with drug use — notably anti-psychotics and sodium valproate.