Weight Loss Interventions for Rehabilitation Patients with Obesity

This scoping review aims to explore the contributions of rehabilitation interventions and programs to the management of obesity. Studies and review papers describing weight management for patients in rehabilitation programs were identified. Rehabilitation populations for which weight loss interventions were reported included spinal cord injury, osteoarthritis, cardiac, and psychiatric. Evidence exists to support the promotion of weight loss in patients with obesity receiving rehabilitation services. Outcomes associated with weight loss in obese rehabilitation patients include reduced pain, improved mobility, improved performance of activities of daily living, increased self-efficacy for stair climbing and walking and, increased participation in leisure activities. Despite the prevalence of obesity among groups of patients with physical and psychiatric disabilities and the evidence to support weight loss as beneficial to improve function more research is needed to determine the best way in which to provide weight loss interventions to groups of patients with neurological, musculoskeletal, and psychiatric disabilities. Research is needed to gain knowledge about discipline specific interventions and their impact on obesity management in rehabilitation populations.