Resources and Downloads
Healthy Eating and Lifestyle
Jun 1, 2024
Learn more about eating healthy, exercise and diabetes.
Healthy eating and lifestyle is important for everyone. However, for people with a learning disability there are often barriers and health inequalities experienced.
We hope this resource will support better health through awareness of and information on nutrition and gaps.
Why does healthy eating matter?
Eating a balanced diet is essential for good health and wellbeing. It helps you feel better, reduces health risks, and supports a more active lifestyle. For people with a learning disability, healthy eating is especially important due to a higher risk of certain health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and poor oral health.
The Facts
- 37% of people with a learning disability are classified as severely obese, compared to lower rates in the general population.
- 6.4% are underweight, also higher than average.
- People with a learning disability are more likely to have Type 2 diabetes.
- Poor oral health is common. A study in Ireland found that 1 in 3 people with a learning disability over 50 have no natural teeth.
These are avoidable outcomes—lifestyle changes can make a real difference.
What to Eat Every Day
A healthy, balanced diet should include:
- Fruit & Vegetables – At least 5 portions a day (fresh, frozen, tinned, dried, or juiced)
- Starchy Foods – Choose wholegrains like brown rice, wholemeal bread, pasta, and potatoes with skins
- Dairy or Alternatives – Low-fat, low-sugar milk, yoghurt, or fortified soya/oat drinks
- Proteins – Include beans, lentils, fish, eggs, and lean meats. Limit red or processed meats
- Fish – Eat 2 portions a week, including 1 oily fish (like salmon or mackerel)
- Healthy Fats – Small amounts of unsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado). Avoid butter or fried foods
- Fluids – Drink 6–8 glasses of water or low-sugar drinks daily
Limit: High-fat, high-sugar and salty foods—such as takeaways, biscuits, fizzy drinks, and processed snacks.
Exercise & Healthy Lifestyle
- Daily physical activity, even short walks, can improve mood, energy levels, and weight management.
- Regular movement helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, and mental health problems.
- People with a learning disability may need support to find safe, accessible, and enjoyable ways to stay active.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, happy life. Let’s make sure people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs are included in that right—through better food, active lifestyles, and accessible care!
How You Can Get Active?
Visit your leisure centre and find out what’s going on and the different types of activities you can take part in. This could be swimming, tennis, football or using the gym.
- Belfast City Council
- Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council
- Ards & North Down Borough Council
- Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
- Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council
- Derry City & Strabane District Council
- Fermanagh & Omagh District Council
- Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
- Mid & East Antrim Borough Council
- Mid Ulster District Council
- Newry, Mourne & Down District Council
You can find a full list of NI councils and their contact details here.
Diabetes & Learning Disability: The Link
People with a learning disability are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes due to:
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
- Limited financial access to healthy food
- High rates of prescribed medications that increase weight gain
- Fewer opportunities for social or community-based physical activity
Good news: With the right support, education, and small changes in diet and activity, the risks can be reduced—and health outcomes improved.
What Can Carers and Support Staff Do?
- Encourage a healthy daily routine—including meals and physical activity
- Model healthy choices
- Support regular dental visits and daily brushing
- Advocate for inclusive health services
- Seek guidance from GPs or dietitians when needed
Need Help?
If you’re concerned about nutrition, diabetes, or oral health speak to a:
- GP
- Registered dietitian
- Community dental service
- Healthy Eating and Lifestyle
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- Healthy Snacking: Easy Read – TILII Translates, BHSCT
- Healthy Eating: Takeaway and Fast Food Information – TILII Translates, BHSCT
- Eating Well: children and adults with learning disabilities. Nutritional and practical guidelines – Dr Helen Crawley, The Caroline Walker Trust
- Exercise and Activity – Disability Sport NI
- Fitness Activity Pack: Easy Read – NHS
- Let’s Get Moving: Easy Read – NHS
- Let’s Get Active: Easy Read – Mencap
- Diabetes
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- What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes? – Easy Read, Diabetes UK
- Know Diabetes Easy Read Leaflets
- Improving Care for People with Diabetes and a Learning Disability – Diabetes UK
- NHS RightCare Pathway: Diabetes. Reasonable adjustments for people with a learning disability who have diabetes – NHS England
- Health inequalities: Type 2 diabetes – Public Health England