Characteristics of Abdominal Obesity in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2013 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5535/arm.2013.37.3.336 · Published: June 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examined abdominal obesity (AO) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) compared to the general population (GP). Researchers assessed factors like diet, socioeconomic status, and weight management approaches. The study found that the prevalence of AO was similar between SCI persons and the GP. Education correlated with AO in both groups, but injury level and income did not correlate with AO in SCI persons. SCI persons with AO had a lower perception of their obesity compared to the GP. Diet modification was a more common weight reduction method in SCI persons with AO than in the GP.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

371 community-dwelling SCI persons

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The prevalence of abdominal obesity was similar in SCI persons (29.2%) and the general population (27.4%).
2
Education level was inversely correlated with abdominal obesity in both SCI persons and the general population.
3
SCI persons with abdominal obesity had a significantly lower perception of their own obesity compared to individuals with abdominal obesity in the general population (p<0.001).

Research Summary

This study investigated the characteristics of abdominal obesity (AO) in community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) compared to the general population (GP). It assessed factors such as diet, socioeconomic factors, and weight reduction methods. The findings revealed that the prevalence of AO was similar between SCI persons and the GP. However, SCI persons with AO had a lower perception of their obesity compared to the GP, and diet modification was a more common weight reduction method. The study concludes that socioeconomic factors and obesity perception correlate with AO in SCI persons, necessitating specific weight control programs for this population.

Practical Implications

Targeted weight control programs

Development of specific and intensive weight control programs tailored for individuals with SCI is necessary.

Improve obesity perception

Efforts should be made to improve the accuracy of obesity perception among SCI patients.

Emphasize diet modification

Weight management interventions for SCI patients should emphasize diet modification strategies.

Study Limitations

1
The reference for determining obesity in SCI patients is still not fully established.
2
Information on the type and intensity of exercise was not investigated in detail.
3
The position during the measurement was not consistent in all subjects.

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