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Wheelchair Weight Loss

Jun 14, 2011 | By Krista Sheehan
Wheelchair Weight Loss
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Although losing weight can be a difficult task for nearly everyone, achieving your goal can be more challenging when you use a wheelchair. But if you can modify your eating habits and manage small amounts of exercise, achieving weight loss from your wheelchair is completely possible. To ensure your health and safety, consult your physician before initiating your weight-loss program.

Eating Habits

Although you might not like the idea of "dieting," you'll likely need to modify your eating habits if you want to lose weight. Whether you use a wheelchair or not, your daily diet plays a huge role in determining your weight. When choosing foods, opt for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish and lean meats. Many of these foods require little or no preparation, making them an easy choice for wheelchair users. If you can't reach your stove top, find a place for a slow cooker or electric griddle on an easy-to-reach table or counter. Reduce your intake of refined grains, processed foods, red meats, high-sodium foods and sugary sweets. Although you don't need to eliminate every unhealthy food and beverage from your diet, use moderation when indulging.

Portion Sizes

Reducing your portion sizes will likely be one of the easiest ways for cutting weight from your wheelchair. In a January 2011 article in "Quest" magazine, Katrina Gossett, who has spinal muscular atrophy, acknowledged that healthier eating choices and smaller meal portions helped her lose more than 30 lbs. in several months. An easy way to cut back on portion size is to use smaller plates and bowls when dishing out meals. Once you finish your plate, wait 10 minutes. If you are still hungry after 10 minutes, allow yourself a small second helping. When snacking, use small bowls or containers to monitor your portions.

Exercise Options

Finding a way to exercise from your wheelchair may be a challenge. However, there are several options for achieving both cardiovascular and strength-training exercise. Cardiovascular exercises from a wheelchair might include rowing, seated aerobics or wheelchair sports, such as basketball or racing. Some wheelchair users might also benefit from swimming or water aerobics. However, get the approval of your physician or therapist before exercising in water. Seated aerobics might include marching in place, seated swimming strokes and a variety of arm and shoulder stretches. Additionally, strength-training and resistance-training exercises can be performed with free weights and resistance bands.

Safety

Before exercising from your wheelchair, lock your wheels and power the chair off. If your wheels do not lock, consider using wedges or small sand bags to prevent wheel movement. If necessary, secure the chair's seat belt low across your lap. If possible, exercise under the supervision of a trained therapist or physical trainer. Otherwise, exercise near others or near a phone in case of an accident or injury.

References

Article reviewed by Stacy Simon Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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