Diet Composition and Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in Adults With SCI

Diet Composition and Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in Adults With SCI

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a low carbohydrate diet on increasing dietary adherence and improving cardiometabolic risk factors among adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Seventy overweight/obese adults with SCI will be randomized to one of two groups: 1) a reduced carbohydrate diet or 2): a "standard" diet (STD). Participants will take part in a 6-month behavioral lifestyle intervention implemented through a novel eHealth platform specially designed for individuals with SCI.

Inclusion Criteria:

• SCI ≥ 1 year post injury
• able to use arms for exercise
• BMI of 22-50 kg/m2
• 19-60 years old
• reliable access to internet and smartphone
• have the ability to converse in English
• ability to prepare own food or have input into person responsible for food preparation

Exclusion Criteria:

• heart disease
• renal disease
• active pressure sore
• persons on medically restricted diets