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

Abstract

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.