Weight Management
Possible reductions in voluntary physical activity, a lack of structured exercise and/or the regular use of convenience foods can put some individuals at risk of being overweight and obese. It is a common problem but one which you can help prevent by following a healthy, well-balanced diet alongside a physical activity/exercise programme.
For some individuals such as those with dwarfism even a few extra kilos can cause problems. Being overweight will place unwanted stress on your back and lower limbs. Unfortunately, there are no disability-specific standards to easily compare your weight or body composition. It is also important to remember that fat distribution and hence body shape may be determined to some extent by your condition. For those with fatigue syndromes, overweight and obesity can aggravate symptoms, cause complications such as pressure sores or thrombosis, and may cause secondary complications.
It is therefore important to be realistic about your energy requirements especially if, due to your disability, you’re forced to reduce your physical activity levels, or your mobility is hindered. If you are a wheelchair user, your energy requirements will likely be reduced also.
For those with Multiple Sclerosis there are a number of “popular” diets which are restrictive in terms of nutrient intake because they eliminate gluten or certain food groups from the diet. Evidence for such dietary restrictions is very limited but they can work on an individual basis. Consult a dietitian if you are considering a drastic change in your diet. In the sporting world it must be remembered that such restrictions may compromise the availability of sufficient energy and nutrients to maintain participation, training and competition in sport.
Please follow the link below to our general nutrition page for getting 'Fit for Life'.