CDC - Disability and Health, Overweight and Obesity - NCBDDD

Disability and Obesity

New! Achieving Healthy Weight for People with Disabilities
Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems. Behavior, environment, and genetic factors can affect whether a person is overweight or obese.

Adults

Did You Know?

Researchers have shown that BMI may not be the best measurement for some people with disabilities.
For example, BMI can underestimate the amount of fat in people with spinal cord injuries who have less lean muscle mass. 
Some researchers prefer measuring a person’s waist or neck where extra fat might be on the body, and using other methods to determine if a person is overweight or obese.

For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the "body mass index" (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat.

• An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
• An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Children

Among children of the same age and sex, overweight is defined on CDC growth charts as a BMI at or above the 85th percentile and lower than the 95th percentile. Obesity is defined as having a BMI at or above the 95th percentile.

Learn more about BMI for children and teens »                  

Challenges Facing People with Disabilities

People with disabilities can find it more difficult to eat healthy, control their weight, and be physically active. This might be due to:

• A lack of healthy food choices.
• Difficulty with chewing or swallowing food, or its taste or texture.
• Medications that can contribute to weight gain, weight loss, and changes in appetite.
• Physical limitations that can reduce a person’s ability to exercise.
• Pain.
• A lack of energy.
• A lack of accessible environments (for example, sidewalks, parks, and exercise equipment) that can enable exercise.
• A lack of resources (for example, money, transportation, and social support from family, friends, neighbors, and community members).

What can be done?

The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation 2010

In her first release to the nation, Dr. Benjamin highlights the alarming trend of overweight and obese Americans, and asks them to join her in a grassroots effort to commit to changes that promote the health and wellness of our families and communities.

Also available: Fact Sheet.

Obesity is a complex problem that requires a strong call for action, at many levels, for both adults as well as children. More efforts are needed, and new federal initiatives are helping to change our communities into places that strongly support healthy eating and active living.

All people can:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer foods high in fat and sugar.
• Drink more water instead of sugary drinks.
• Watch less television.
• Support breastfeeding.  [PDF - 1.30 MB]
• Promote policies and programs at school, at work, and in the community that make the healthy choice the easy choice.
• Be more physically active.

Physical Activity for People with Disabilities

Evidence shows that regular physical activity provides important health benefits for people with disabilities. Benefits include improved cardiovascular and muscle fitness, mental health, balance, and a better ability to do tasks of daily life.
Learn more about physical activity for individuals with disabilities from the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability at http://www.ncpad.org/

Learn more about a CDC report that outlines multiple solutions for individual, community, state and national government efforts.
CDC - Disability and Health, Overweight and Obesity - NCBDDD