Managing weight with a Learning Disability

If you care for a person with a learning disability, they may need help and support to stay a healthy weight.

People with a learning disability are more likely to have problems with their weight. Some people may be underweight because their disability means they have difficulty with swallowing or eating, for example.

Others may be overweight because they have a condition that increases thier risk of obesity, such as Down’s syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome.

If the person you care for needs help to manage their weight, you may be able to refer them directly to services that can help, without seeing a GP. To find out if there are any services in your area:

• ask the reception staff at their GP surgery
• check their GP surgery’s website
• check local weight management services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
• search online for NHS weight management services near where they live
• check community notice boards or social media channels for weight management services or community groups which may support weight management.

If the person you look after is on the GP’s learning disability register, they will be offered an Annual Health Check. This is a good opportunity to talk about any issues with weight.

You can find out more about managing weight with a learning disability on the NHS website.