Obesity among students with disabilities attending primary and secondary special education schools: The role of teachers and special educational personnel (SEP) in special education school settings

Background: Obesity is a growing public health concern among students with disabilities, adversely affecting their physical health, psychosocial well-being, and educational participation. Teachers and Special Educational Personnel play a vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles, early identification of obesity, and the implementation of school-based preventive interventions.
Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study employed a structured questionnaire to explore educators' knowledge regarding the prevalence of obesity in primary and secondary schools attended by students with disabilities.
Results: The study investigated the relationship between educational level, academic specialization, gender, and childhood obesity, with a focus on children with disabilities. Findings indicated that the level of education significantly influences the knowledge and attitudes of educators and Special Educational Personnel (SEP), particularly concerning the prevalence of obesity and students’ dietary habits. Special Education Staff is more likely to intervene with parents to promote healthier food choices. Differences in obesity prevalence by gender and the impact of food insecurity were also observed. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is identified as beneficial for the physical and mental health of students with special educational needs. 
Conclusions: The study reports no statistically significant differences in educators’ perceptions and practices related to nutrition, physical activity, and bullying, regardless of gender, specialization, or educational level, with minimal exceptions. A notable difference was found in parental interventions for overweight/obese students, with SEP and primary education teachers intervening more frequently. Participants acknowledged the role of special schools in promoting healthy habits through both instructional and experiential activities.