DO DISABILITY TYPE AND SEVERITY AFFECT OBESITY AND MEAL CONSUMPTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES?

Authors : Çiler Özenir, Fatma Nişancı Kılınç, Biriz Çakır, Emine Merve Ekici

Pages : 693-706

Doi:10.33715/inonusaglik.1642347

View : 46 | Download : 47

Publication Date : 2025-10-16

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this study was to determine obesity and meal consumption patterns among adults with different types and severity of disability. The study was conducted with 209 adults with disabilities attending special education and rehabilitation centers in Kırıkkale. Participants were assigned to three groups: individuals with mental, physical, or combined mental and physical disabilities. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and body fat percentage were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were calculated. In addition, participants’ main and snack meal consumption habits were assessed. 56.9% of the participants had mental disabilities. 36.8% had a disability severity between 51–75%. While the body fat percentage differed significantly between groups based on disability type (p=0.035), both BMI and body fat percentage varied significantly according to disability severity (p=0.030; p=0.011). Obesity prevalence that was determined by WHR, was higher than other parameters in adults with disabilities. The proportion of adults with mental disabilities who consumed three main meals per day was higher than those with a physical disability (p=0.021). Eating habits play a key role in preventing and managing obesity in individuals with disabilities; therefore, public health policies should address their specific needs.
Keywords : Beden kütle indeksi, Bel çevresi, Engelli yetişkin, Obezite, Öğün tüketimi

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