Long-Term Weight Loss Study for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Using Cooking Classes and Healthy Lifestyle Support

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying young adults aged 18 to 35 with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities who are overweight or obese. This study aims to see if adding hands-on cooking classes to a weight management program called Chef-ID helps participants lose more weight and maintain it better compared to a traditional weight loss program. The trial lasts 24 months and includes three phases 6 months of active support, 12 months of maintenance, and 6 months with no contact. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups follow the enhanced stoplight diet and aim for at least 120 minutes of aerobic exercise plus 30 minutes of strength training weekly. All receive monthly coaching via Zoom using iPads and wearable fitness trackers for 18 months. One group attends in-person cooking classes twice a month for 6 months, then once a month for 12 months, learning cooking skills and safe kitchen use. The other group receives motivational video messages instead of cooking classes. Participants have weight measured at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Additional assessments include cooking skills, body fat, blood pressure, caregiver stress, and daily living skills collected during lab and home visits. Researchers will track changes in health markers and explore factors influencing weight loss. The study aims to improve support for healthy lifestyles in people with intellectual disabilities.

Cooking Skills to Improve Long-Term Weight Loss in Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities