Managing weight with a learning disability

Managing Weight for People with Learning  Disabilities                                                                                                                                                                                                          If you care for someone with a learning disability, they might need extra help to maintain a healthy weight. People with learning disabilities often face weight issues. They may be underweight because they have trouble eating or swallowing, or they might be overweight due to conditions like Down's syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome, which increase the risk of obesity.

Checking Weight

To see if someone is at a healthy weight, you can use Body Mass Index (BMI). This measures if their weight is right for their height. You can check their BMI using an online BMI calculator.

If You’re Concerned About Their Weight

If you're worried about their weight, talk about the health risks of being either underweight or overweight. Have a conversation with them, their careers, and support workers to discuss lifestyle changes. A GP can also check for any health problems that might be affecting their weight, including side effects from medicines.

Healthy Eating Tips

1) Shopping for Food:   Help plan meals for the week and make a healthy shopping list using the Eatwell guide. Pictures can help if they struggle with reading. Websites like A Picture of Health or Easyhealth offer pictures of healthy foods.

2) Snacks:  Encourage healthier snack choices, like fruit instead of biscuits, and sugar-free drinks instead of sugary ones.

3) Eating Out:   If they eat at a canteen or day center, guide them to make healthy choices and ask staff for help.

4) Portion Size:   If they eat large portions, try to reduce them slightly and fill half the plate with vegetables  or salad.

5) Keep Records:  Track what they eat and don't eat to understand their eating habits better.

If you need more help, visit a GP with them. The GP can offer advice on diet and exercise and might refer them to weight management programs suitable for people with learning disabilities.

Annual Health Checks

If the person you care for is on the GP's learning disability register, they’ll get an Annual Health Check. This is a good time to discuss any weight concerns.

Finding Help

If they need help with weight management, you might be able to refer them directly to services without seeing a GP first. Check with the GP surgery, their website, or local NHS weight management services.

Tips for Gaining Weight

To help someone gain weight, you might increase their portion sizes or offer smaller, frequent meals and snacks. If they can’t eat enough, special high-calorie foods or drinks can help. A GP can advise on these and may refer them to a dietitian if needed.

Physical Activity

Exercise is important for managing weight. It helps burn calories for those who need to lose weight and can increase appetite for those who need to gain weight. Find out what activities they enjoy and try to include them in their routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, like walking or cycling, each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, like running.

Special Olympics Great Britain offers sports opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Check their Facebook page for more information.

For more advice:

- Mencap provides health leaflets.

- The Caroline Walker Trust has a leaflet called "Eating Well: children and adults with learning disabilities.

- Explore more resources in the learning disabilities section.