Demonstrating the well-being benefits of a weight loss programme for people with a learning disability

Little is known about the health, well-being and social interaction benefits of physical activity in adults with a learning disability. This is probably due to the methodological barriers to research and the problem of gaining informed consent from the participants. This paper describes a feasibility study, where six adults with learning disabilities regularly attended a weight management and fitness session. An observation methodology was tested to see if it was possible to gather quantitative evidence on well-being and social interaction during participation in the sessions. Issues about veridicality, consent, validity and controls are discussed.