Reducing the incidence of obesity in adults with developmental disabilities in Kansas

Researchers at the University of Kansas are approaching the mid-point of a 3-year analysis of the effectiveness of a new approach to weight loss by adults with DD living in the community. In the first phase, participants were seen monthly in their residences by project staff. In the second phase, just now underway, participants are seen in a clinic-type setting held in their place of employment. Participants are first surveyed to determine what foods and beverages they like. Their food preferences are color coded in the colors of a stoplight, and the participants are prompted to emphasize green (low calorie) over red (high calorie) items when meal planning, shopping, and selecting snacks. Prepackaged low-calorie entrees are encouraged for portion control. On colorful pictorial tracking forms, participants record daily intake. At monthly meetings with project staff, participants receive cash for green-food intake, double cash when weight loss is at least 1 BMI, and receive cash for steps walked, according to a project-provided pedometer. Monthly 24-hour intake recalls are analyzed for total calories and nutritional balance. To date 28/29 Phase 1 participants have lost weight, averaging 3 lbs lost per month of participation (up to 13 mos to date). The presentation will elaborate on the procedures and will report participant satisfaction survey data and weight loss data from Phase II. Some hypotheses regarding the high retention and success rate will be discussed. Phase III addresses state-wide dissemination and will be described.