Evaluation of a Weight Loss Treatment Program for Individuals with Mild Mental Retardation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Obesity is a major problem for people in the United States. Individuals with mental retardation also are prone to obesity. The most successful programs for treating obesity typically are treatment packages consisting of multiple behavioral components. Research in the area of weight loss and mental retardation has not evaluated programs for individuals with mild mental retardation living independently in the community. This study examined the effectiveness of a behavioral weight loss treatment program with mildly mentally retarded individuals living independently in the community. The results show that three of the six participants achieved moderate weight loss.