952 Obesity among people with intellectual disabilities: A weighty issue Galia Golan Sprinzak Abstract Obesity is the result of imbalance between caloric consumption and caloric expenditure. It increases the risk of developing metabolic illnesses such as diabetes, fatty liver, heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, depression and various types of cancer. Additionally, it impairs quality of life, leads to increased unemployment and social difficulties. Not surprisingly obesity has been described as a global pandemic. Obesity is more pervasive among people with intellectual disabilities than it is among the general population. This chapter will investigate the nature of obesity, explaining its etiology and surveying its prevalence among people who are intellectually challenged. The chapter will continue with an examination of two of the principal issues related to obesity – physical activity and nutrition and will review intervention programs which are suitable for this special population. Finally, the Chapter will present conclusions and recommendations. Chapter on page 225
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