Introduction: Studies on the state of health and nutrition of Mexicans with intellectual disability (ID) including those with Down syndrome (DS), are scarce.
Objective: To analyze some physiological and social factors associated with the body mass of young people with ID from northern México.
Methods: Body weight, height and other anthropometric values were measured in fifty seven young (17 ± 5 years) participants with ID (DS,16%) and at least one guardian. BMI (kg/m²), somatotype and nutritional status were established by three international standards and total blood glucose, cholesterol & triacylglycerides, were also analyzed. Guardian's socio-economic, household food insecurity and nutrition literacy status were estimated with validated questionnaires by direct interview.
Results: Participants with SD were 12 cm smaller but subscapular skinfold (SECPS) was 6 mm thicker than that from other ID participants (p < 0.05). Prevalence of overweight/obesity was 70 and 44%, respectively. Blood biochemicals were similar between groups, but 25% had dyslipidemias. Participant's BMI correlated (p < 0,01) with several anthropometric & adiposity indicators (r = 0,40 a 0,88 ), blood triglycerides (r = 0,48 ) and cholesterol (r = 0,44) and guardians & participants' age (r = 0,35). The spending in food correlated (p < 0.05) with participant's SECPS (r = -0.33). The circumference of the waist, hip, calf and PSECP, 89% of the variance of the BMI explained.
Conclusion: The body mass of young people with DI from northern Mexico, is strongly related to the degree of body adiposity, dyslipidemias, and some socio-economic factors of their family environment.