How do people confined to wheel chairs stay thin and physically fit. i know that there are physical therapy programs but not everyone has access to them. i can't remember the last time i've seen an overwight person in a wheelchair.

Probably cos they have 2 wheel themselves everywhere. Hard physical work there.

Depending on the condition, weight may be a factor (underweight/overweight) due to meds. Many I know fight to keep weight on because medications can cause loss of appetite.

Other than that, advances in medicines and better physical therapy techniques and better hospice care allows for many that are confined to wheelchairs live happier fuller lives.

The only overweight wheelchair bound people I've noticed honestly are the elderly that suffer from diabetes coupled with extreme arthritis in the hips or knees.

I don't think they are fit. I think it's probably muscle atrophy.

BklynBabe said:

That's the truth. People mistakenly take "thin" as being synonymous with "fit". Muscle atrophy, metabolism, genes, diet, physical activity....ALL contribute to that.

People on wheelchairs aren't just limited to a hospital to get physical therapy. Look at the guys in Murderball. That will answer some of the question, but not all.