Introduction
Obesity has been associated with disability; yet, the proportion who meet clinical
criteria for obesity treatment among adults with disabilities remains poorly defined.
Characterization of obesity and treatment eligibility by disability type may prioritize
high-need groups. This study assessed the prevalence of obesity and eligibility for
antiobesity pharmacotherapy and/or bariatric surgery in adults with disability.
Methods
This cross-sectional weighted analysis of the 2019 National Health Interview Survey,
including self-reported health and sociodemographic information, was conducted in
2021. Burden of obesity defined by BMI and odds of meeting consensus criteria for antiobesity pharmacotherapy
and/or surgery were calculated by functional disability type: vision, hearing, cognition,
communication, mobility, and self-care.
Results
From 29,170 community-dwelling adult respondents (59.1% response), the overall prevalence
of disability was 10%. The prevalence of obesity among adults with a disability was
40.1% vs 30.5% for U.S. adults overall (p<0.0001). An estimated 17.1% with disability met the criteria for both bariatric surgery
and antiobesity pharmacotherapy; another 39.8% were eligible for pharmacotherapy alone
(vs 7.9% and 33.2%, respectively, for adults overall; p<0.0001). In fully adjusted models, disability was associated with greater ORs for
mild obesity (OR=1.2; 95% CI=1.1, 1.4), moderate‒severe obesity (OR=2.1; 95% CI=1.8,
2.3), and criteria for bariatric surgery (OR=2.4; 95% CI=2.1, 2.7) and pharmacotherapy
(OR=1.3; 95% CI=1.2, 1.4). Mobility, self-care, and cognition disabilities were associated
with eligibility for bariatric surgery and antiobesity pharmacotherapy.
Conclusions
Individuals with disabilities have higher odds of obesity and eligibility for antiobesity
treatments. Comorbidities should be considered, accommodations should be provided,
and insurance coverage should be expanded to ensure access to antiobesity treatments
for adults with disabilities.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: May 23, 2022
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© 2022 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
