British Dietetic Association: Weight management in adults with learning disability living in the Community (2011).

Published: 05 April 2011

Produced by: The Learning Disabilities Obesity Group (LDOG). A task and finish group of the Specialist Mental Health Group of the BDA.

The incidence of obesity is rising in the general population, and this trend is reflected in people with Learning Disabilities (LD) as well. There is also evidence to show that people with a LD are more likely to become obese at a younger age and remain obese into adulthood.

People with a LD already experience a higher burden of ill health (and poorer outcomes) than the general population, and increasing obesity will only add to these problems.

Dietitians who do not have a specialist LD role are increasingly likely to see people with a LD in general clinics as recent government policy has aimed to encourage people with a LD to access generic services.

The Weight Management for Adults with a Learning Disability living in the community (PDF 2MB) consensus statement was therefore developed to inform and support the practice of dietitians who are not undertaking a specialist LD role but who care for adults with LD who are obese within their caseloads. The document may also be useful for other healthcare professionals working in LD as well as students.