Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026
Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Weight management in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A randomized controlled trial of two
Lauren T Ptomey1, Richard R Saunders2, Muriel Saunders2
1Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
Background:
The prevalence of obesity among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is equal to or greater than the general population.
Methods:
Overweight/obese adults (BMI ≥25 kg/m2 ) with mild-to-moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities were randomized to an enhanced stop light diet (eSLD = SLD + portion-controlled meals, n = 78) or a conventional diet (CD, n = 72) for an 18 months trial (6 months weight loss, 12 months maintenance). Participants were asked to increase physical activity (150 min/week), self-monitor diet and physical activity and attend counselling/educational sessions during monthly home visits.
Results:
Weight loss (6 months) was significantly greater in the eSLD (-7.0% ± 5.0%) compared with the CD group (-3.8% ± 5.1%, p < .001). However, at 18 months, weight loss between groups did not differ significantly (eSLD = -6.7% ± 8.3%; CD = 6.4% ± 8.6%; p = .82).
Conclusion:
The eSLD and CD provided clinically meaningful weight loss over 18 months in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
