Treatment of Obesity Among Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: An Emerging Role for Telenursing

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a serious health issue, associated with medical comorbidity and psychosocial impairment that can persist into adulthood. In the United States, youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities are more likely to be obese than youth without disabilities. A large body of evidence supports the efficacy of family-based treatment of childhood obesity, including diet, physical activity, and behavior modification, but few interventions have been developed and evaluated specifically for this population. We highlight studies on treatment of obesity among youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including both residential/educational settings as well as outpatient/hospital settings. All interventions were delivered in-person, and further development of promising approaches and delivery via telenursing may increase access by youth and families. Nursing scientists can assume an important role in overcoming barriers to care for this vulnerable and underserved population.

Analysis of the Relationship between Obesity Factors and Health-Related Physical Fitness Factors among People with Intellectual Disabilities in South Korea

“…A study in the UK also reported that the prevalence rates of obesity and overweight were 20.7% and 28.0%, respectively, whereas subjects that fell in the normal range of weight accounted for 32.7% [ 11 ]; a study by Hsieh et al [ 36 ] on people with intellectual disabilities in the United States reported prevalence rates of 28.9% for overweight and 38.3% for obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher among people with intellectual disabilities than in the general population [ 12 , 13 , 37 , 38 ]. This may be because people with intellectual disabilities have decreased income levels in an environment where they have difficulty engaging in economic activities, which leads to a lack of opportunities to participate in physical activities and exercise programs [ 20 , 39 ].…”

Risk Factors for Unhealthy Weight Gain and Obesity among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…However, these may be problematic for children with ASD, who struggle with social and behavioral communication, changes in routine, and sensory processing difficulties [24,68]. Furthermore, challenges with self-management and, in many cases, impairments in decision-making skills play an important role in the challenges associated with this first line of treatment in children with ASD [219]. The second line of intervention is through common pharmacological treatments for childhood obesity, such as orlistat, sibutramine, and metformin.…”

“…Furthermore, adolescents are more likely to have remission of type 2 diabetes and hypertension after bariatric surgery, when compared to adults [227], emphasizing that optimal timing for surgery in order to reverse metabolic complications of obesity is still unclear. Furthermore, little research has been done in this area to address treatment needs that may be specific to this population [219]. A systematic review looking more broadly at children with intellectual disabilities suggested the need for further research into how obesity treatment can be more specifically tailored for children with intellectual disabilities [219].…”

“…Furthermore, little research has been done in this area to address treatment needs that may be specific to this population [219]. A systematic review looking more broadly at children with intellectual disabilities suggested the need for further research into how obesity treatment can be more specifically tailored for children with intellectual disabilities [219]. Finding more intensive treatments and combination of techniques are warranted for children with intellectual disabilities, such as more training for parents to support children with defiant behaviors [219,228].…”

Addressing a Major Health Problem From an Array of Perspectives

“…Two articles focus on children with special needs, an often overlooked group at increased risk for this chronic disease. Bennett, Kolko, Chia, Elliott, and Kalarchian (2017) review studies that evaulated treatment strategies for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The second study (Polfuss, Simpson, Greenley, Zhang, & Sawin, 2017) focuses on parents of children who were diagnosed with autism, spina befida, or Down's Syndrome.…”