Obesity in the Special Needs Community

The data gathered from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows that 50.8% of children who receive special education services were either overweight or obese. Listed below are common disabilities and specific reasons children with these disabilities are at an increased risk for being overweight or obese.

Lower basal metabolic rate 

Down syndrome causes children to be shorter and burn fewer calories when at rest

30-50% of children with down syndrome have Hypothyroidism 

Causes slowing of growth, mental development, and metabolism

Increased leptin 

They cannot tell when they are full, increased appetite 

Poor chewing ability 

Makes it harder to eat healthy raw fruits and vegetables

Harder to participate in physical activity 

Children with down syndrome have sensory deficits that make balance and coordination more difficult 

Poor impulse control 

Want to fight back, if a parent pushes exercise or healthy eating they will disagree

Sensory issues

Children with autism have sensory issues that often cause them to avoid specific foods because of specific textures, smells, colors, temperatures, or brand names

Medication

Children on the autism spectrum may be taking medications that cause weight gain

Motor and social impairments 

Motor impairments may make it difficult to play sports

Social skill impairments may make participation in activities with peers challenging

Therapy involving a reward system 

Many therapists use candy as a reward system for children with autism because they do not respond to social motivation

Feeding problems

Children with cerebral palsy may have started out with feeding problems

Families may continue to feed them the high calorie, nutrient dense foods they needed when they were younger without realizing they are no longer appropriate for their child’s health 

Undernourishment

Children who were undernourished may have developed slower metabolisms that cling to any available calories, making it easy to gain weight

Difficulty chewing and swallowing

Often it is difficult to chew and swallow, so they rely on soft, less nutritious foods

Chronic feeling of hunger

Inability to feel full so constantly seeking food

Lower caloric needs 

Those with Prader-Willi syndrome are typically shorter in stature and have a slower metabolism

Commonly have intellectual or behavioral disabilities 

Makes fitness more challenging

Sleep disturbances 

Causes sleepiness and low energy throughout the day