OBJECTIVE: To describe the proportion of mobility-impaired persons exhibiting elevated risk for obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Review of 1998 BRFSS Disability Module data from 10 states (AL, AR, IA, KS, MO, NC, NM, NY, RI, SC) and the District of Columbia, dichotomizing persons with and without disabling mobility impairments according to two selected variables (activity limitation, and using special equipment to get around). Dependent variables included risk for obesity based on elevated BMI (females >=27.3, males >=27.8); physician counseling on exercise and fat intake; mobility-impaired persons using wheeled assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, motorized scooters) versus those using non-wheeled mobility devices (e.g., cane, walker, prosthetic limb); and weight status among disabled and non-disabled persons with diabetes. RESULTS: In these 11 states, 6.4 million (16.8%) of 31.6 million respondents met the case definition for achieving disability status. Nationwide in 1998, 32.4% of all BRFSS respondents exceeded BMI thresholds. But among mobility-impaired persons in these 11 states, 40.9% exceeded BMI thresholds; 18.5% received counseling to lose weight. In contrast, among persons without mobility impairments, only 29.2% exceeded BMI thresholds; only 9.6% received counseling to lose weight. Among persons using mobility assistive devices, 43.2% using wheeled mobility devices were beyond BMI thresholds (SE=.198, Pearson r=.17) versus 46.4% among persons using non-wheeled devices (SE=.005, Pearson r=.038). Among persons with diabetes, 41.8% met the case definition for disability; among diabetic disabled persons, 60.2% were beyond BMI thresholds, versus 52.7% among diabetic non-disabled persons. CONCLUSION: Obesity and overweight are important risk factors for additional secondary conditions among persons with mobility impairments. See www.cdc.gov/nceh/cddh/schome.htm
Learning Objectives: 1) Articulate the degree to which mobility-impaired persons who experience overweight also receive dietary counseling from health professionals; 2) Explain the rationale for assertive intervention toward weight loss among members of the mobility-impaired population; and 3) Express familiarity with the Disability Module within the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Keywords: Disability, Weight Management
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.