A narrative review of biopsychosocial factors which impact overweight and obesity for individuals with acquired brain injury

ABSTRACT

Primary Objective: To discuss the biopsychosocial factors that affect being overweight or obese after acquired brain injury (ABI)

Research Design: Narrative review

Methods and Procedures: Based on the biopsychosocial model, we discuss the unique injury-specific factors that can affect bring overweight or obese among individuals with ABI including: (1) biological, (2) psychological and (3) social/ecological factors.

Main Outcomes and Results: Injury-specific factors that impact being overweight or obese following ABI include endocrine dysfunction, pain, bowel and bladder incontinence, balance problems and motor impairment, medications, sleep quality and fatigue, alcohol and tobacco use, psychological disorders and symptoms, cognitive changes, social support, isolation, participation, transportation, independence, and knowledge. These factors may also compound general factors impacting weight management, making it difficult for individuals with ABI to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusions: It is important to recognize the biopsychosocial factors that impact weight-loss and lifestyle change after ABI so that interventions can be tailored to meet individuals’ unique needs. Empirical research is needed to better understand how biopsychosocial factors interact and impact overweight/ obesity after ABI.

KEYWORDS:

• Traumatic brain injury
• stroke
• health

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by two grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant numbers 90DPTB0013 and 90IFRE0021). NIDILRR is a center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this abstract do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.