Caregivers' effect on weight management in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This was a secondary analysis of a trial that randomized diet assignment, not caregiver type, so caregiver comparisons are observational and not causal. The parent study was not specifically designed or powered to detect differences between family and paid caregiver groups or between caregiver hassles, uplifts, and self-efficacy groups. The caregiver groups were unequal: 38 participants had a family member as study partner and 108 had a paid assistant. Caregiver hassles, uplifts, and self-efficacy were self-reported, which can introduce responder bias. No demographic information about caregivers was collected, so it is unclear whether caregiver characteristics influenced support. Participants had mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities, had to be able to walk, and had to communicate preferences, wants, and needs, so findings may not apply to adults with more severe disabilities, non-walkers, or those who cannot communicate these needs. The intervention included diet, monthly education, step counting, and caregiver support, so weight change cannot be attributed to caregiver type alone.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The supplied text does not state who funded the work.

Do not conclude that having a family caregiver causes better weight management. The main family versus paid comparison was null, and this secondary analysis was not designed or powered to detect caregiver group differences.