Body weight should be kept within the normal range (18.5-24.9) of a body mass index (BMI). Additional weight from excess fat can exacerbate new muscle weakness. Being overweight, defined as a BMI of 25 to 29.9, can aggravate almost all mobility problems. Obesity, defined as a BMI of >30, may seriously interfere with breathing (see Sleep Apnea) and increase the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Your BMI can be calculated online by entering your height and weight on either the National Institutes of Health website or the calculator on the Centers for Disease Control website.
Most weight loss occurs because of a decreased intake of calories. For polio survivors who use a wheelchair, severe calorie restrictions may be needed to avoid weight gain or to temporarily induce weight loss. It can be very difficult to get adequate nutritional intake on a diet that has less than 1,000 calories per day. Consultation with a nutritionist is strongly encouraged.
Physical activity is an important component of weight loss but will not lead to substantially greater weight loss beyond a couple of months. Enough physical activity to burn significant calories may be impossible or very difficult for some polio survivors. Creative adaptations for helpful exercise regimens are encouraged because even a little activity is always better than none. Physical activity is most helpful in the prevention of weight regain.
A key component for a successful weight loss program is motivation. Behavior therapy is a useful adjunct for weight loss and weight maintenance. Check online for local resources. For polio survivors, nutritional intake and exercise are very individualized matters. Therefore, consultation with a certified nutritionist is recommended before a weight loss plan is adopted.