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Weight We’re helping people with DD lose 1 million pounds.  Being overweight is one of the most prevalent, but unnecessary, medical problems for people with DD. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of how heavy a person is in relation to his or her height. A person of normal weight would have a BMI of between 23–27, while a person with a BMI between 27 and 30 would be considered overweight. A BMI over 30 is classified as obese. Unfortunately, many people with a developmental disability living in community living arrangement settings—two to three times the mainstream—are obese, and this percentage is steadily increasing due to overeating and eating the wrong foods. Obesity does more than decrease self-esteem and quality of life; it reduces the length of life and greatly increases the likelihood of developing other serious secondary medical problems. People who are obese live an average of eight years less than those who are not obese. For a person who is obese, losing just 7% of their body mass reduces the risk of developing diabetes by 58%. Mainstay’s Fiore™ initiative decreases weights and waist sizes so obesity declines for people with DD, and healthy BMIs are quickly achieved and maintained. As one example, Fiore was implemented at a social service agency serving three hundred people with developmental disabilities. Over a three-year period, obesity rates for consumers participating in the program dropped dramatically and numerous other health indices improved significantly.  Over a two to three year time frame, Fiore was introduced at numerous small residential group living facilities (implementation homes). Additionally, two (later reduced to one) group homes were chosen as control houses, where Fiore was not introduced. BMI statistics were collected for all residents, along with a variety of health parameters, before and after the introduction of Fiore. The “circle” indicates the start date of Fiore in each house (with the exception of the control house).  Average BMIs decreased in each house after Fiore implementation. Additionally, it is instructive to point out that: a) weight loss has been maintained for a long period of time after the introduction of Fiore—proving program sustainability; and b) aggregate BMIs continued to increase in the control house that did not receive the Fiore program. The BMI reduction levels in the implementation houses have been judged to be statistically significant. These significant outcomes led to the USDA backing Mainstay’s efforts. Fiore’s success is partly due to a realistic and reasonable approach toward weight management. “Perfection” is never a concept that is advocated. Rather, goals are attained within thoughtfully designed guidelines that stress: enjoyment of life, trying hard, and consistently making good choices. Click to JumpStart individual health. |
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