The prevalence of overweight and obesity levels among forensic inpatients with learning disability

Abstract

Accessible Summary This study looked at how many people with learning disabilities in a forensic unit were overweight or obese, and whether people put on weight in the service. The study showed that lots of people put on weight while they were in the service. It might be due to people struggling to exercise and the food provided in hospitals. This research matters to people with learning disabilities because being overweight and obese can lead to other physical issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Being overweight also affects how confident a person is and can lead to feeling depressed. We now need to look at ways we can support people with learning disabilities in all settings to stay healthy, enjoy exercise, and lose weight if they want to. Abstract BackgroundInpatient mental health settings have been described as “obesogenic,” due to factors including psychotropic medication, high‐calorie food provision, restricted physical activity and sedentary lifestyles. No research has investigated the prevalence of obesity among forensic inpatients with learning disability, despite this population's increased risk. Materials and MethodsThe weight and body mass index (BMI) data of 46 inpatients (15 women and 31 men) within a specialist learning disability forensic service was examined on, and during admission. ResultsOnly 13% of inpatients were a normal weight at admission, whereas 87% were overweight or obese. During admission, 61% gained weight, and 2% maintained. However, 37% lost weight, although many of this group remained overweight/obese. Women gained more weight during their admission, but were also more successful in losing weight. There was no correlation between length of stay and weight. ConclusionsThe results highlight the need for effective, gender‐sensitive weight management interventions within similar services nationally.

Investigating ‘treat culture’ in a secure care service: a study of inpatient NHS staff on their views and opinions on weight gain and treat giving for patients in a forensic secure care service

“…It is widely acknowledged that people living with a mental health condition are more likely to die earlier from preventable illnesses 2–5 . In England, 28% of adults are living with overweight/obesity 6 .…”

“…In England, 28% of adults are living with overweight/obesity 6 . This may be up to 40%–52% of people with a serious mental illness 7 contributing to a three times excess mortality rate compared to the general population, and a life expectancy 15–20 years lower 2,5 . A systemic review on obesity in adult mental health secure hospitals found that excess weight is more prevalent in this setting, with rates of up to 80% reported 8 .…”

Risk for intellectual disability populations in inpatient forensic settings in the United Kingdom: A literature review

“…Two studies reported physical health risks. Russell et al ( 2018 ) examined the weight and body mass index (BMI) data of 46 inpatients (15 women and 31 men) on and during admission to a specialist forensic service. Only six (13%) inpatients were normal weight at admission, whereas 40 (87%) were overweight or obese.…”

“…Twenty-two peer-reviewed articles around issues of risk in U.K. inpatient forensic settings for people with an intellectual disability were deemed suitable for inclusion. Of these, seven were quantitative/experimental designs (Campbell & McCue, 2013;Chester et al, 2017Chester et al, , 2018Fitzgerald et al, 2013;Hogue et al, 2007;Morris et al, 2021;Novaco & Taylor, 2015), five were qualitative (Duperouzel & Fish, 2010;Lovell et al, 2014;Malda-Castillo et al, 2018;Wright et al, 2014;Wood et al, 2008), four cohort studies (Russell et al, 2018;Lindsay, Carson, et al, 2013;Lindsay et al, 2012), There were two service evaluations/ audits (Alexander et al, 2015;Plant et al, 2011), two survey designs (Fish et al, 2012;Mason et al, 2011), one case study (Ashworth et al, 2020) and one study utilising the Delphi approach (Morrissey et al, 2017). Setting: forensic psychiatric hospital units The intellectual disability and non-ID groups were strikingly similar on many sociodemographic, clinical and forensic variables.…”

“…4.4.1 | Subtheme 2.1: Physical health risksTwo studies reported physical health risks Russell et al (2018). examined the weight and body mass index (BMI) data of 46 inpatients (15 women and 31 men) on and during admission to a specialist forensic service.…”