Nutrition and People with a Disability

Eating a healthy diet is a challenge for most Australians but for a person with a disability it may be a greater challenge. Their disability may be a physical disability, an intellectual disability (from childhood or after an accident or stroke), a mental illness. Any disability has the potential to impact on the person's ability to eat healthily.

People with disabilities have a higher incidence of diet related health problems than the general community. Health statistics tell us they are more likely to experience:

• obesity
• underweight
• constipation
• malnutrition
• dehydration
• heart disease
• diabetes.

The food we eat and the activities involved in planning, preparing and eating meals are important to our enjoyment of life. Certain foods and meals make up our cultural identity and give us a sense of belonging.

There may be many reasons why a person with a disability may be at risk of missing out on the social, emotional and physical benefits of a healthy diet.

• Physical abilities may limit access to shopping, involvement in cooking, independent eating or being able to chew and swallow lumpy foods.
• Sometimes healthy eating and balanced meals seem far less important than all the other challenges of daily life.
• Medications or certain disorders may alter metabolism and change appetite making it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
• Financial constraints can reduce choice and options.
• Depression, boredom or emotional problems can make it difficult to keep motivated about self-care and healthy eating.
• Communal and institutional living or difficulties communicating may limit opportunities to be involved in meal planning and having access to preferred food choices.

Changing towards a healthier eating plan can result in health benefits and improved wellbeing for people with disabilities. The first step may be ensuring a regular adequate intake of fluids. A good level of hydration can reduce headaches and constipation. Being involved in meal planning, preparation and shared meals can also have social and emotional health benefits.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines are just as applicable to people with disabilities as they are for the general population. However, the professional help of a dietitian may be valuable given the potential barriers to healthy eating faced by a person with a disability.

An Accredited Practising Dietitian can help develop a healthy eating plan for a person with a disability.