Impact of Spinal Cord Injury on Body Composition and Weight

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 01 | Page : 19 34
    By

    Gurmeet Singh Sarla,

  • Nirmal Pandey,

  1. Senior Advisor, Department of Surgery, Military Hospital, Khadki, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  2. Dietician, Department of Dietetics, Military Hospital (MH) Khadki, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Weight gain is a common consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI), often resulting from decreased physical activity, metabolic alterations, and changes in body composition. This study aimed to assess post-injury weight changes among individuals with SCI. Data was obtained using a multistage random sampling method, utilizing a patient questionnaire administered to 28 individuals diagnosed with SCI. Participants’ baseline weights were compared with their recorded weights at follow-up. The mean initial body weight of the participants was recorded as 64.92 kg, whereas the mean current body weight was found to be 72.11 kg. This reflects an average increase of 7.19 kg over the study period. To determine the statistical significance of this observed change, a paired t-test was conducted, which demonstrated that the increase in body weight was statistically significant (p < 0.05). This result indicates that individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are prone to substantial weight gain following the onset of their condition. Several factors may contribute to this trend, including reduced physical activity due to mobility limitations, alterations in metabolism, and changes in dietary intake. Such weight gain can exacerbate secondary complications, including cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, and increased strain on musculoskeletal structures. These findings underscore the critical importance of implementing targeted interventions, including nutritional counseling, structured exercise programs, and ongoing monitoring, to manage weight effectively during both rehabilitation and long-term care for patients with SCI. Addressing these factors early may improve overall health outcomes and quality of life for this population.

Keywords: Body composition, metabolic changes, rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, weight gain

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : Journal of Surgery ]

How to cite this article:
Gurmeet Singh Sarla, Nirmal Pandey. Impact of Spinal Cord Injury on Body Composition and Weight. Research and Reviews : Journal of Surgery. 2026; 15(01):19-34.
How to cite this URL:
Gurmeet Singh Sarla, Nirmal Pandey. Impact of Spinal Cord Injury on Body Composition and Weight. Research and Reviews : Journal of Surgery. 2026; 15(01):19-34. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjos/article=2026/view=239482


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
Issue 01
Received 10/10/2025
Accepted 13/01/2026
Published 30/03/2026
Publication Time 171 Days
27

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