Overweight and obesity in individuals with visual disability: Prevalence, associated factors, nutritional challenges, and recommended interventions

Farida Nazahiya Mohd Salleh; Saihpudin @ Sahipudin Saupin; Woon Fui Chee; Haryati Abdul Karim.

Transactions on Science and Technology, 12(3-2), Article ID UMS-ReS3RA1, pp 1 - 17.

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ABSTRACT
Insufficient or a lack of sight jeopardises the nutritional status of individuals with visual disability, making them vulnerable to overweight and obesity. Correspondingly, this review examines the prevalence, associated factors, and distinct challenges that individuals experience in achieving optimal nutrition, as well as the suitable interventions to address overweight and obesity in this population. In particular, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population from previous studies ranged between 29.3% and 77.7%. Concurrently, sociodemographic factors that include age, sex, living accommodation, level of education, employment status, monthly income, marital status, level of visual impairment, affinity for food and eating, self-reported general health, involvement in physical activity, consumption of food supplements, and water consumption are among the aspects associated with overweight and obesity in this population. However, dietary intake involving macronutrients and micronutrients among individuals with visual disabilities is not in line with the recommended consumption. The diet also lacks variety, in addition to having unusual mealtimes and erratic eating patterns. Furthermore, the effects of food on health are often not given priority when it is consumed. At the same time, nutritional challenges are often encountered during the process of buying or shopping for food, when preparing and cooking meals, and when eating out. Thus, effective nutritional interventions to address overweight and obesity in this population need to consider both personal and environmental factors, as well as address participation restrictions and activity limitations. In essence, individuals with visual disability need to be empowered about the issues of malnutrition, especially regarding overweight and obesity, which are prominent in this population. Their environment should be enabled to support a healthy lifestyle to achieve the goal of optimum health and well-being.

KEYWORDS: Overweight; Obesity; Visual disability; Inclusivity; Universal health coverage



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