Summary
- Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) could be a helpful option for managing obesity, but their use in individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) is not well understood.
- Healthcare providers (HCPs) identified several barriers to AOM use in the SCI/D population, including side effects that could worsen existing health issues, poor eating habits, and lack of evidence and knowledge about AOM use in this group.
- HCPs expressed interest in learning more about the use of AOMs in persons with SCI/D, as there is currently limited information available.
- There is a need for more research and clinical guidance on the use of AOMs in individuals with SCI/D to address the barriers identified by HCPs.
- Addressing these barriers could help improve obesity management for individuals with SCI/D and potentially enhance their overall health and well-being.
Obesity is a worrying health concern that has been plaguing victimized individuals worldwide. This is especially true for those living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). One study recently reviewed the potential use of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) among persons with SCI/D.
Several barriers to the use of AOMs in this population were evident from a study. A primary concern is the possibility of side effects from these medications. These side effects are more pronounced and complicate the existing functional issues with which persons living with SCI/D already struggle (e.g., bowel, skin pathologies and muscle atrophy)
Health care providers who interacted with individuals with SCI/D, discussed the dearth of evidence and knowledge regarding AOM use in this population. They were curious to know more about it, but also noted that better guidance and evidence is needed for practice decisions.
Conclusions: While AOMs offer some potential as an agent for obesity management in people with SCI/D there are significant obstacles which would need to be overcome before these agents can become routine tools used within this population. Further investigation and dissemination of information is needed to promote safe AOM use for people with SCI/D.
Neurology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Nursing