Journal of Intellectual Disability Research

Original Article

Body mass index of adults with intellectual disability participating in Special Olympics by world region

Corresponding Author

V. A. Temple

School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada

Correspondence: Prof. Viviene A. Temple, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, PO Box 3015 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3P1 (e-mail: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this author

J. T. Foley,

J. T. Foley

Physical Education Department, State University of New York College at Cortland, Cortland, NY, USA

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M. Lloyd,

M. Lloyd

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada

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V. A. Temple,

Corresponding Author

V. A. Temple

School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada

J. T. Foley,

J. T. Foley

Physical Education Department, State University of New York College at Cortland, Cortland, NY, USA

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M. Lloyd,

M. Lloyd

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada

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First published: 17 January 2013

https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12011

Citations: 32

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Abstract

Background

People with intellectual disability (ID) experience poorer health and have more unmet health needs compared with people without ID, and they are often absent from population health surveillance. The aim of this study was to describe the body mass index (BMI) status of adult Special Olympics participants by world region and gender. Additionally, the general influence of age and gender on overweight/obesity of all participants was explored.

Method

A total of 11 643 (7150 male and 4493 female) Special Olympics BMI records were available from the Special Olympics International Health Promotion database. BMI was compared by gender and world region. Logistic regression was used to examine whether age and gender were associated with the likelihood of being overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25.0).

Results

Overall, 5.5% of the sample was underweight, 36.1% in the normal range, 24.7% overweight and 32.1% obese, and levels of overweight/obesity were very high in North America. Both age and gender were significant predictors of overweight/obesity (odds ratios 1.06 and 0.59, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that adult Special Olympics participants have high levels of overweight and obesity; particularly among women and those from North America. It is crucial that those who work with, care for, coach and live with adults with ID who participate in Special Olympics increase efforts to promote healthy weight status.

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Volume58, Issue3

March 2014

Pages 277-284

Body mass index of adults with intellectual disability participating in Special Olympics by world region

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

References

Citing Literature

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Body mass index of adults with intellectual disability participating in Special Olympics by world region

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

References

Citing Literature

References

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