Implementing obesity multi-component interventions for people with intellectual disabilities: using a logic model framework

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a global pandemic associated with comorbidities, premature death and significant healthcare costs. Increases in obesity are being recorded for people with intellectual disabilities, but at a higher rate compared to the general population. Obesity and weight management guidance recommends evidence-based obesity interventions - comprising energy-deficit-diets, physical activity, and behaviour change techniques - which are tailored to meet the needs of specific populations.

Methods: The effectiveness of tailored obesity interventions for people with intellectual disabilities and their theoretical underpinnings are explored in this study together with the wider influences of the obesogenic environment.

Results: Implementing obesity interventions without recognising the wider influences of the obesogenic environment is insufficient. A logic model is developed that presents the wider context, systems, inputs, activities, mechanisms of change, outputs, outcomes and impact that may help successfully implement and sustain obesity interventions for people with intellectual disabilities.

Implications: People with intellectual disabilities are at risk to the wider obesogenic influences and face a greater burden of related diseases and complications. The proposed logic model may help successfully implement and sustain obesity interventions for this population within local communities.