Abstract
A physician led wellness group for 45 adults with developmental delay run collaboratively with a day rehabilitation program was evaluated for an effect on weight. A twice weekly empowerment model used to reduce obesity in non-delayed populations was adapted and used as a pilot project. Changes in weight related to specific level of mental retardation (MR), age, sex, frequency of program, length of time in program, starting weight, and participants living situation were investigated. Findings indicated statistically significant weight loss relating to frequency of attendance and female sex. Generally, individuals lost clinically significant amounts of weight (173.12l SD = 35.20, lowered to 2.60 lbs to 170.51 SD +/− 33.63 p = 0.14) that increased with duration and frequency in the program. Level of MR, living situation, and age were not associated with any weight change. Larger studies with a control group for comparisons will be needed to further corroborate these findings.
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Acknowledgements
The Greater Lawrence Family Health Center would like to acknowledge our long standing partnership with CLASS, Inc. This program would not exist but for the commitment of CLASS Inc. to increasing the access of individuals with developmental disabilities to health and wellness instruction and resources.
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Geller, J.S., Crowley, M. An Empowerment Group Visit Model as Treatment for Obesity in Developmentally Delayed Adults. J Dev Phys Disabil 21, 345–353 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-009-9147-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-009-9147-7