The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ahvaz, Iran

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is 4 times more than any other people in the community, but a little research have been examined the prevalence of overweight and obesity among people with intellectual disabilities (ID) recently, So the present study aimed in order to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in ID people in Ahvaz, Iran. 205 adults with IDD who had referred to five rehabilitation centers to receive rehabilitation services participated in this cross-sectional study. In addition to demographic information of ID people, data on their height and weight were collected to measure the body mass index (BMI). 69 percent of participants are male and 97 individuals had Down syndrome. The results of the present study Demonstrated that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among people with ID is high and about 57 percent. The results showed that there is a statistically significant difference between gender, IQ level, family size; and disability type with the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Implementation of intervention programs such as physical activities over the week in supportive institutions, as well as increasing parent awareness of IDD people about overweight and obesity could help to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity among people with IDD.