ArticleUse of Prevention and Prevention Plus Weight Management Guidelines for Youth With Developmental Disabilities Living in Group Homes

IntroductionPrevention and Prevention Plus strategies for weight management were implemented for youth with developmental disabilities living in community group homes at a Midwestern educational/residential center.MethodsCaregiver staff were provided with weight management education, a communication tool for youth weight indices, weight and physical activity goals, dietary orders, and monthly follow-up communication. This 4-month study examined changes in weight indices, nutrition, physical activity, and staff perceptions of youth status using t tests, χ2 tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.ResultsA significant decrease in mean body mass index percentile was found (t(39) = 2.93, p < .01, 95% confidence interval 1.29 to 7.04) that was primarily from change in the healthy weight category. More than 80% of the 40 youth achieved their weight goal. A significant improvement in daily fruit consumption ( p = .001) and vegetable consumption ( p < .001) was reported.DiscussionThese prevention strategies are useful to promote staff understanding of dietary goals for weight management in youth with developmental disabilities living in group homes and should be incorporated into practice by health care providers. Additional efforts are needed to increase physical activity during the winter months.