Abstract

Exercise, a vital health-promoting activity, regardless of health status, is often recommended for helping to prevent or reduce the onset and progression of obesity, a major global health concern. Yet, even though youth with disabilities may be at a high risk for obesity, little effort seems to be applied towards encouraging the use exercise among youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This brief attempts to explain why obesity prevention is needed and how to promote this among this special needs group of youth, where participating in physical activity and sustaining this is very challenging.

Keywords: Developmental disability; Exercise; Intellectual disability; Overweight; Obesity; Prevention; Physical activity; Youth