Title: Shape Up-LD': Piloting a manualised weight management programme for overweight and obese persons with mild-moderate learning disabilities
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: Background Obesity rates have dramatically risen in the UK over the last decade (1). Being obese significantly reduces life expectancy, increases the risk of a range of diseases, and compromises quality of life (2, 3). Costs to both the NHS and society are high (4). An increased prevalence of obesity in people with learning disabilities (LD) has been demonstrated (5). The consequences of obesity are particularly relevant to people with LD who are already confronted by health and social inequalities (6). In order to provide healthcare for all, and ensure equality of treatment for people with LD, services must be developed specifically with this population in mind. Aims The aim of this project is to assess the feasibility of evaluating a manualised weight management programme for overweight and obese persons with mild-moderate learning disabilities ('Shape Up-LD') through a single-blind, pilot, randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing 'Shape Up-LD' versus usual care, for people with LD and their carers. Issues including acceptability of the intervention and outcome measures, compliance, recruitment and retention, will be explored. Qualitative interviews will also be conducted with both service-users, their carers, and service-providers. We intend to use this pilot data to prepare for a definitive RCT, with the intention of applying for funding from HTA. Plan of Investigation Sixty people with mild-moderate LD and a BMI >25, and their carers will be recruited to a two-armed RCT and receive either 'Shape Up-LD' or usual care. The manualised 'Shape Up-LD' intervention will involve 12 weekly sessions, which include healthy eating messages and teaching people new behaviours to manage their weight with the support of their carer. Assessments with users and their carers will be conducted at baseline, 12 weeks and 6 months, to detect changes in weight, body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood cholesterol/ LDL/ glucose levels, mental health, quality of life, self esteem, knowledge and behaviours. Service users, their carers and service providers will also give their perspectives on the experience of the intervention in qualitative interviews at 12 weeks. Potential Impact We will refine the 'Shape-Up LD' materials in line with the findings from this study. These materials will be available through Weight Concern, enabling widespread use by LD service providers within the NHS. The findings from this study will also inform our preparation for a definitive RCT to test the efficacy of the programme with respect to weight loss and maintenance in this population. Weight loss through 'Shape Up-LD' could lead to improvements in health and quality of life. Costs to the NHS might be reduced through decreased overall service use due to improved health. The programme would also ensure a more equitable service for overweight LD patients and fill the current gap in weight management services for this population.


Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL