I have several physical disabilities. I used to use this as an excuse for not being able to lose weight. Exercise and dieting go together, but I just couldn’t handle the pain of physical activities. I was always trying to find the right combination of physical activity and diet that I could live with and not make my constant pain any worse. I finally found the right weight loss program, which just left me to deal with the physical part. My disabilities were not absolute limitations, like those of a quadriplegic. I was a runner for 15 years and my ankle is shot. The cartilage is almost gone and it’s bone grinding on bone. The muscles and ligaments are stretched out and I have to wear a rigid orthopedic brace, from my knee down to my toes. I was also rear ended by a motor home several years ago, and my upper back has permanent nerve damage and arthritis. Pain is a part of my daily life. Any type of workout routine just increases the discomfort.
Constraints on physical activity and healthy diets.
People with disabilities have issues that make physical activity a real challenge, 
compared to those without disabilities. Also, their lack of mobility leads to eating routines that don’t lend themselves to weight loss and physical disabilities. For example, preparing food can be a problem, depending on the severity of the disability. many times, it’s just easier to eat fast food, takeout or TV dinners. Most of the time, these types of food are not nutritionally healthy. The exception is frozen weight loss dinners. However, these meals are quite expensive and many of those trying to juggle weight loss and physical disabilities have limited means to earn a suitable income. Other barriers include increasing physical activity. Unless they have access to a gym or workout facility, it’s hard to come up with a suitable fitness routine. Many disabled just don’t understand how to overcome limitations or they haven’t got access to transportation to go to affordable fitness centers and trainers. Their lack of knowledge about the skills necessary to exercise without harming themselves and their worry about fatigue and increased pain contribute to their inability to get started on a physical fitness routine.
Most weight loss programs are for the non-disabled.
While weight guidelines have been developed for the non-disabled, very few suggestions exist for weight loss and physical disabilities. The normal recommendations for weight loss include reduced-calorie diets, increased physical activity, and counseling or weight management programs. However, these suggestions are rarely tailored for disabled people, to take into account reduced metabolism, difficulty in obtaining good information for diet and exercise, physical limitations to engage in aerobic or repetitive activity, limited access to fitness facilities that can accommodate people with mobility issues, and some of the social stigma that may accompany physical challenged people.
BMI measurements may be flawed.
Body Mass Index, or BMI, a calculation which requires accurate weight and height measurements, is one of the most widely used measures to determine whether or not an individual is overweight. However, with the disabled, this measure fails to consider factors such as loss of muscle tone from inactivity, loss of an arm or leg, or difficulties in obtaining height measurements for people who have involuntary athetoid movement, scoliosis or difficulty in stretching their legs out to full length. These characteristics make it more difficult for trainers, physicians, and other health care professionals to properly identify and help with weight loss and physical disabilities.
With the disabled, stress and depression may be triggers.
Many people with disabilities, who are overweight, develop a dislike for their image. In this regard, they’re no different than those without disabilities. Research by many noted experts indicates that excessive weight is associated with low self-esteem, which may be caused by a society that places a premium on beautiful bodies. Social stigmas, self-blame, discrimination and cultural ideals all lead to feelings of inadequacy. Stress and depression usually serve as triggers for overeating and weight loss relapse. As you can probably guess by now, this is highly amplified in cases of weight loss and physical disability
Learn about weight loss programs that work!
After my initial research, I was encouraged and disappointed at the same time. There are some resources out there, but they are limited. I finally made an assessment of what I could do for activities that would work for most of my physical limitations. I found some excellent sources for lifelong weight loss and coupled them with my physical activities. It took me some time, but I stayed with the program and have kept off the 35 pounds that I lost! The first step in managing your weight is learning about key concepts, such as calories, carbohydrates, body mass index, how to diet the proper way and weight loss programs that help you document your eating habits and measure your progress. Instead of being able to use the elliptical machines and walking or running, I have a routine that includes light hand weights and lots of repetitions.This can really get your heart pumping for aerobic activity. I try to use isometric exercise in place of weight lifting. I do as much stretching as I can tolerate to maintain flexibility.
You need to do your homework!
Everyone has different physical issues, and there is no one size fits all approach to weight loss and physical disabilities. I do urge you to get started on a program that works for you and stay with it. Don’t cop out like I did for years, and use your physical limitations as an excuse not to lose weight. You may not be able to handle the exercise component, but at least get the proper diet part going now. I found a great weight loss program and it works for me. It’s called Strip That Fat. You may not choose this program and that’s okay. Just promise yourself to get started on something that will work for you! Your mental attitude will improve and you’ll find joy in life.