Body mass index patterns following dysvascular lower extremity amputation.

Abstract

Using preliminary data, we examined: (i) patterns of body mass index (BMI) over the year following amputation by amputation level and (ii) the association between BMI and mobility and prosthetic device use. Patients from three medical centers undergoing dysvascular amputation (N = 87; M age = 62) participated in interviews pre-surgically and at 6 weeks, 4 months, and 12 months following amputation. The main outcome was self-reported BMI, adjusting for limb weight lost due to amputation. Additional outcomes were mobility and time spent using and walking in a prosthetic device. Adjusted BMI slightly decreased at 6 weeks (pre-surgery M = 31.2; 6 weeks M = 30.3) and 4 months (M = 30.7) but exceeded baseline levels by 12 months (M = 31.7). There were no significant BMI differences by amputation level. In multivariable analyses, higher pre-surgical BMI was associated with fewer hours of prosthetic device walking at month 4 (β = -0.49) and poorer overall mobility at month 12 (β = -0.22). BMI increased at one year following amputation surgery. Higher pre-surgical BMI was associated with poorer mobility and prosthetic device use. Interventions are needed to prevent excess weight gain in the year following amputation. • People undergoing lower-extremity amputation have high rates of overweight and obesity and continue to gain weight in the year following amputation. • Objective assessment of body mass index (both with and without a prosthetic device) and waist circumference would help future research efforts. • Targeting weight loss post-amputation could improve the health of people with lower-extremity amputations.