Spinal Clinic for Obese Out-Patient Project (SCOOP)—A 1 Year Report

Abstract

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) appear to be at higher risk of becoming overweight after their injury. This 12 month study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a dietitian-led clinic. Thirty-eight patients with chronic SCI with a body mass index (BMI) range of 26.4 - 46.4 kg/m² were referred for three consultations over a three month period for dietetic advice covering nutrition, exercise and behaviour change. Body composition was estimated by anthropometric measurements of BMI, mid upper-arm circumference (MUAC), triceps-skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and sitting blood pressure. Nineteen individuals completed the three month intervention. There were significant reductions in weight (kg: 103.1 v 97.8, P <0.001), BMI (kg/m²: 35.5 v 34.0, P <0.001), TSF (mm: 28.3 v 24.7, P = 0.019), and sitting systolic blood pressure (mm Hg: 134 v 101, P = 0.015), and an increase in MAMC (cm: 29.5 v 30.0, P = 0.045). We conclude that a simple dietetic intervention can help individuals with SCI to lose weight without compromising lean body mass. Although the intervention incurred additional cost, it has the potential to decrease long-term healthcare expenditure if patients’ outcome and quality of life are improved.