A Family-Based Weight Loss Intervention for Youth With Intellectual Disability

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is twofold. First, to examine the efficacy of a 24-session, 6-month family-based behavioral intervention (FBBI) - as compared to a waitlist FBBI group, which later receives the same FBBI - that targets weight loss in adolescents/young adults with intellectual disability aged 14-22 years. Second, to examine the efficacy of a 12-session, 6-month Maintenance intervention that targets maintenance of weight loss in the same population of adolescents/young adults with intellectual disability. The Maintenance condition follows the completion of each FBBI group and involves a re-randomization to either the Maintenance intervention or no further intervention. Primary outcome measures include body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). Secondary outcome measures include physical activity/sedentary behavior (measured via accelerometry), dietary patterns (3-Day Food Records), and self-efficacy (brief questionnaire). Hypotheses are that: (1) participants in the FBBI condition will lose more weight (and reduced BMI) than participants in the waitlist treatment condition, and that (2) participants in the Maintenance condition will maintain weight lost (and reductions in BMI) or experience less weight regain, as compared with participants who receive no further intervention following FBBI.