Weight Management Post-Stroke: A Scoping Review

Purpose: The aim of this scoping review is to comprehensively review the available literature on the influence of intentional weight loss on physical function and psychosocial outcomes during rehabilitation of chronic stroke survivors. Materials and Methods: Experimental and observational studies evaluating weight loss, physical function, and psychosocial outcomes in chronic stroke survivors were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases using the following search terms: obesity, BMI, body composition, stroke. The search yielded 376 articles. After review of titles, abstracts, and full texts, 4 studies were included in the review. Results: All studies reported significant weight loss and/or improvement in body composition among chronic stroke survivors. In addition, all studies reported significant improvements in at least one measure of physical function, psychosocial outcomes, or both. While these studies met inclusion criteria and, thus, were included in this review, it is noteworthy that methodologies and aims varied significantly. While this review suggests physical function and psychosocial benefits of weight loss in chronic stroke survivors, further attention to this issue by research and funding agencies is imperative to determine the efficacy of weight loss interventions for physical function and psychosocial outcomes among the large population of chronic stroke survivors with obesity.