Spinal Clinic for Obese Out-Patient Project (SCOOP)—A 1 year report

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.