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James H Rimmer, PhD and Edward Wang, PhD. Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1640 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608-6904, 312-413-9651, jrimmer@uic.edu
Overweight (BMI > 25) and obesity (BMI > 30) are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. In two national data sets (1994-1995 National Health Interview Survey & 1998-1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System), prevalence of overweight and obesity were substantially higher in persons with disabilities compared to the general population. However, both studies used self-report weight and height data. The current study examined the prevalence of obesity using actual measures of body weight and height among 306 individuals with various disabling conditions including arthritis, diabetes, SCI, stroke, and mental retardation. The results found that there was a higher prevalence of overweight (84%), obesity (62%) and extreme obesity (BMI > 40) (22%) among people with disabilities compared to the general population. The highest prevalence was among individuals with arthritis and diabetes. After adjusting for age, race, and sex, individuals with disabilities were 1.23 times more likely to be overweight; 1.86 times more likely to be obese; and 4.08 times more likely to have extreme obesity. Overall, minority females with disabilities had the greatest risk of being overweight and obese and were nearly 8 times more likely to have extreme obesity than non-disabled white females of the same age. While obesity is a serious public health concern in the general population, it is even a greater concern among people with disabilities. The disparity in excess body weight between people with and without disabilities, particularly in the category of extreme obesity, emphasizes the critical need to better understand how and why these differences occur.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Obesity, Disability Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.