Impact of Physical Activity on Obesity and Lipid Profile of Adults with Intellectual Disability

Introduction: This study assessed overweight, obesity and lipid profiles in adults with intellectual disability and compared these metrics with their physical activity. Materials and Method: Basic somatic parameters, lipid profile and weekly physical activity were examined in 27 adults with moderate intellectual disability. Chi-square independence tests and Pearson's linear correlation coefficients were used. Results: The participants had excess body mass, excess body fat and abdominal obesity. Very high positive correlations were shown between body mass index and both waist circumference and %fat. The lipid profiles were more favourable in the general population. Healthy levels of physical activity were observed in 8% of women and 26% of men. A high negative correlation was found between physical activity and body mass index. Conclusion: The study group was characterized by excess body mass and insufficient levels of physical activity. Body mass index and waist circumference are sufficient indicators for identifying obesity in adults with intellectual disability.