Building an Evidence Base for Weight Loss Strategies Among Those With Chronic SCI-The GLB-SCI+

Building an Evidence Base for Weight Loss Strategies Among Those With Chronic SCI-The GLB-SCI+

This study's overarching aim is to follow a systematic approach that incorporates community-based participatory research (CBPR) to develop a multi-component weight loss intervention that may yield significant effects for a chronic SCI sample. The approach is to obtain data on the 3 unique strategies (prepackaged/portion-controlled meals; enhanced self-monitoring; the GLB-SCI) to inform design of an empirically supported and consumer-validated multicomponent intervention program, that combines the best of the 3 approaches into one unique intervention, the GLB SCI+. Based on the investigators' prior experience with adapting and delivering the GLB AIM (a lifestyle intervention previously adapted for those with impaired mobility), interim findings, existing literature, and consumer feedback, they hypothesize that these 3 unique strategies may confer individualized benefits to people with SCI given their complex disability-related barriers to weight loss.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 18 years old
• Have had a spinal cord injury for at least 1 year
• Overweight as evidenced by BMI > 25
• Must have sufficient upper arm mobility to engage in exercise
• Must have access to the internet
• Must be able to obtain physician signed clearance to participate in a weight management intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment which substantially impairs autonomy (e.g. mental retardation)
• Medical issues for which exercise is contraindicated such as uncontrolled hypertension or coronary heart disease,
• Pregnancy
• Not fluent in English
• Presence of grade 3 or 4 pressure ulcer
• Previously diagnosed eating disorder