Weight Management for Adolescents With IDD

Rates of obesity and obesity related chronic health conditions are higher in adolescents with
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) than those in the general population. Many
of the negative health consequences observed in obese adults are already present in obese
adolescents with IDD.

This study is a 3 group randomized trial to evaluate the intervention delivery system and
type of reduced energy diet. The investigators will randomize 123 overweight/obese
adolescents with mild to moderate IDD to one of 3 groups for an 18 month trial (6 month
weight loss; 12 month weight maintenance):

group 1) Face-To-Face/CD

group 2) Technology delivery/CD

group 3) Technology delivery/eSLD.

All participants will receive a progressive program of physical activity. Participants on the
CD diet will be asked to consume a nutritionally balanced, reduced energy, high volume, lower
fat ( fat=20-30% energy) diet. Participants on the eSLD will consume pre-packaged portion
controlled meals with the addition of 5 fruits and vegetables per day.

FTF will meet with a health educator and will track progress using pen and paper records for
both physical activity and diet. TECH groups will receive the intervention using an iPad with
the FaceTimeTM application for video meetings with a health educator and will track progress
using the Lose it! application for both physical activity and diet.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Age 13-21 yrs

- Mild (IQ of 74-50) or moderate (IQ 40-49) IDD,

- Of sufficient functional ability to understand directions, communicate preferences
(e.g. foods), wants (e.g. more to eat/drink), and needs (e.g. assistance with food
preparation) through spoken language.

- Overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 85th%ile on CDC growth charts, or waist circumference to
height ratio > 0.5

- Living at home with a parent or guardian.

- Internet access in the home.

- No plans to relocate outside the study area over the next 18 mos

- Physician consent for PA and diet.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Insulin dependent diabetes

- Participation in a weight management program involving diet and PA in the past 6 mos

- Eating disorders, serious food allergies, consuming special diets, aversion to common
foods,

- Diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome

- Currently pregnant, planning on/becoming pregnant during the study.

- Unable to participate in moderate to vigorous PA.