Predictors of obesity among adolescents with disabilities

Introduction  Childhood obesity is a major public health concern.  Children with a broad range of disabilities have a higher prevalence of obesity.  We examined risk factors for obesity among US adolescents with disabilities. 

Methods  Data for high school aged adolescents were obtained from the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) for four states.  Logistic regression models were fit to assess the effects of dietary habits and physical activity on obesity, defined as an age and gender adjusted body mass index (BMI) greater than the 95^th percentile.  Effect modification by disability status was explored.

Results  Twenty percent of the 9,775 eligible survey participants reported a learning, emotional, or physical disability.  After adjustment, adolescents with disabilities were more likely to be obese (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1, 1.5), drink soda (AOR=1.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.3), have an eating behavior disorder (AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 2.5, 3.2), and were less likely to be physically active (AOR=0.6; 95% CI: 0.5, 0.7).  Associations between all risk factors and obesity were similar among adolescents with and without disabilities (p-for-interaction >0.05). 

Conclusions  Adolescents with a broad range of disabilities are more likely to be obese, have poor dietary habits, and be less physically active relative to adolescents without disabilities.  Successful obesity interventions need to target diet, physical activity, and eating behavior disorders among adolescents with disabilities.  Understanding barriers to healthier diets and physical activity for this population is critical to developing effective obesity prevention programs.