The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2017 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1370207 · Published: September 1, 2017
Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) often develop obesity, which can lead to other health problems. This review looks at different ways to manage obesity in people with SCI. The review included studies that looked at diet, exercise, electrical stimulation, medication, and surgery to manage obesity in SCI patients. The review found that bariatric surgery was the most effective way to lose weight, followed by a combination of exercise and diet. Electrical stimulation and medication mainly helped improve muscle mass but didn't significantly reduce weight.
Bariatric surgery can be considered for morbidly obese SCI patients, but it requires a commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes.
Combinations of physical exercise and diet therapy are crucial for managing obesity and improving body composition in SCI individuals.
NMES and pharmacologic treatments can be used to increase lean body mass, although they may not significantly reduce weight or fat mass.