Associations between neurodivergence, learning disabilities and metabolic syndrome risk: evidence from the Health Survey for England.

BACKGROUND

A higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome conditions amongst individuals with learning disabilities is well established; however, there is mixed evidence for neurodivergent adults.

METHODS

Health Survey for England data 2016-19 were analysed. N = 32 390, 728 with neurodivergent conditions and 1419 with learning disabilities. Diabetes was self-reported and physician-diagnosed. Hypertension was assessed through blood pressure readings or reported medication use. Obesity and overweight were measured objectively. Covariates included age, sex and ethnicity and physical activity (2017-18 subsample).

RESULTS

An association between obesity and neurodivergence was found [relative risk ratio (RRR) = 1.64 95% CI = 1.54-1.76, P < 0.001]. The association with overweight was weaker. An association was found for diabetes (OR = 4.18, 95% CI = 3.82-4.57, P < 0.001) and hypertension (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.40-1.64, P = < 0.001).An association was found between obesity and learning disabilities (RRR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.42-2.04, P = < 0.001) but not overweight. An association was found for diabetes (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 2.01-2.85, P < 0.001) and hypertension (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.02-1.50, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

To mitigate metabolic syndrome risk, both adapting annual health checks available to adults with learning disabilities and adapting National Health Service weight management plans, to include neurodivergent adults is recommended.