An integrative review of multicomponent weight management interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Alison J Doherty, Stephanie P Jones, Umesh Chauhan and 1 others
PMID 28631874WHAT IT FOUND
Only five studies described two tailored multicomponent weight programmes for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Evidence is too limited for firm practice changes, and communication and support barriers were repeatedly reported.
Key findings
01Only five studies describing two tailored multicomponent weight management programmes were identified.
02Two studies reported weight loss outcomes: 36% of participants who completed TAKE 5 lost 5% or more of initial body weight, and another study found 41% achieved 5% weight loss compared with 37% in adults without intellectual disabilities, with no significant difference between groups.
03Carers and healthcare practitioners reported lack of support, poor communication, and need for accessible resources and motivation.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The review included only a small number of studies, and the studies were too different in design, participants and outcomes to compare formally. The included studies used different samples, including some participants who were not obese, so the findings may not apply to all adults with intellectual disabilities who are obese. No study explored the views and experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities themselves. The review was limited to English language studies and adults, so evidence from other languages or younger people was not included. Some interventions were highly intensive and one-to-one, and the review notes it is unclear whether this is sustainable in routine practice.
Declared interests
The review reports no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that multicomponent weight management reliably causes weight loss in adults with intellectual disabilities. The review found too few studies, and it states that no conclusive recommendations can be made.