[Analysis of the nutritional status and body composition of persons with intellectual disability]

Intellectual disability refers to substantial limitations in intellectual functioning, affecting 0.7-1.5% of the population. People with intellectual disability have higher rates of obesity, since caloric values and nutritional status, are deficient.

To determine the nutritional habits, analyze the effectiveness of nutritional education and evaluate the possible effect of improvement introducing exercise and nutrition workshops, in a group of people with intellectual disability.

Clinical, nutritional and anthropometric (weight, height, body mass index, body fat, waist circumference) assessment was conducted in 47 patients. An ad hoc survey was designed in which exercise habits, medical and dietary history, record of 72 hours (including 2 weekdays and 1 weekend) and the adherence to Mediterranean diet data were collected. The workshops of exercise and nutrition counted with a structure of theoretical-practical explanation and games.

76.1% presented weight excess at baseline. After the intervention values of total body fat (-0.94 ± 4.4%) and visceral fat (-0.86 ± 2%), weight (-0.4 ± 3.3 kg) and body mass index (-0.2 ± 1.6 kg/m2) decreased, more in women than in men. 60.5% of subjects did not meet a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet. After nutritional intervention, a significant difference (p <= 0,001) was observed in the KidMed score. The workshop of physical activity had positive effects on the anthropometry of subjects.

Both the intake and the prevalence of obesity in this group of people are inadequate. Nutritional education and physical exercise workshops are useful for working with this group, achieving significant changes to prevent obesity and improve their health.