Disability and Managing Underweight in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Many people in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan struggle with unwanted weight loss. Research shows that some people living with a disability are more likely to be underweight than people in other population groups.

In a city like Grand Rapids—where cold winters, mobility challenges on ice and snow, and seasonal changes can affect appetite and activity—managing underweight safely is especially important.

Why People With Disabilities May Be Underweight

There are many reasons a person with a disability may be underweight. For example:

  • A person with a physical disability may have decreased muscle mass.
  • Some people experience difficulty eating, chewing, or swallowing.
  • Medications or medical conditions can reduce appetite or change how the body uses energy.
  • Daily routines, reliance on caregivers, and emotional health can all affect eating habits.

Understanding the cause of weight loss is the first step to creating a safe, effective plan to gain weight.

See a Grand Rapids Doctor or Dietitian for Expert Advice

Because disability can affect weight and nutrition in unique ways, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional rather than relying on general advice.

In Grand Rapids, you can talk with:

  • Your primary care provider at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health.
  • A registered dietitian at local hospital systems, outpatient clinics, or private practices.
  • Community resources such as the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for referrals and nutrition programs.

Why BMI and Standard Weight Charts May Not Apply

Traditional tools like body mass index (BMI) and standard weight-for-height charts are based on the general population. They often do not account for:

  • Reduced muscle mass in the arms or legs
  • Amputations
  • Long-term wheelchair use
  • Certain neuromuscular conditions

For example, a person with a physical disability may weigh less than what is “recommended” for the general population, but this may partly reflect lower muscle mass rather than poor nutrition.

Always ask a doctor or dietitian to:

  • Help calculate an appropriate weight range for your specific condition
  • Assess body composition (muscle vs fat), not just the number on the scale
  • Create a safe, individualized plan to gain weight gradually

Common Factors That Can Lead to Unwanted Weight Loss

For people with disabilities in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan, contributing factors may include:

  • Medical conditions that affect metabolism (for example, thyroid disorders, chronic infections, or neurological conditions)
  • Increased activity (such as starting a new physical therapy or exercise program) without increasing food intake
  • Reduced muscle mass due to limited mobility or long-term illness
  • Medications that decrease appetite, cause nausea, or change taste
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing (dysphagia), dental problems, or poor oral health
  • Emotional health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, or frustration, which can reduce appetite
  • Dependence on family members or caregivers for meals, which can affect timing, food choices, and portion sizes
  • Limited nutrition knowledge, making it hard to choose calorie-dense, nutrient-rich foods

If you or a family member in Grand Rapids is losing weight without trying, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Healthy Eating Strategies to Gain Weight Safely

A dietitian in Grand Rapids can tell you how many calories (kilojoules) you need each day for slow, healthy weight gain. General strategies often include:

1. Eat More Often

Instead of three large meals, try:

  • Six or more small meals spread throughout the day
  • Small, frequent snacks between meals

This can be especially helpful if:

  • You tire easily while eating
  • You have difficulty swallowing large volumes of food
  • Medications affect your appetite at certain times of day

2. Use Your Favorite Foods

You are more likely to eat if you enjoy the food. To improve intake:

  • Include favorite meals and snacks regularly
  • Offer foods with appealing flavors, smells, and textures
  • Rotate options so meals don’t become boring

Just be sure to include a range of healthy foods, such as:

  • Whole grains
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Lean proteins
  • Healthy fats (like olive oil, avocado, nuts)

3. Choose Full-Fat Options

When medically appropriate, higher-fat versions of foods can help increase calories without increasing portion size. Examples include:

  • Whole milk instead of skim or low-fat
  • Full-fat yogurt and cheese
  • Nut butters (peanut, almond, sunflower seed butter)
  • Salad dressings made with healthy oils

Always check with your doctor if you have heart disease, high cholesterol, or other conditions that require fat restrictions.

4. Add Extra Calories to Everyday Meals

You can “fortify” foods to increase calories and protein without making the plate look bigger. For example:

  • Stir powdered milk into soups, mashed potatoes, or hot cereals
  • Add cheese to eggs, vegetables, or casseroles
  • Mix nut butter into smoothies, oatmeal, or crackers
  • Drizzle olive oil or canola oil on cooked vegetables, pasta, or rice
  • Add avocado to sandwiches, salads, or smoothies

A local dietitian can help you create a personalized list of calorie boosters that fit your tastes and medical needs.

Find an Eating Style That Works for You

Long-term weight management is only possible if your eating pattern fits your lifestyle, disability, and preferences.

Some people prefer:

  • Three main meals each day

Others do better with:

  • Smaller, more frequent meals and snacks

Talk honestly with a dietitian at a Grand Rapids clinic or hospital about:

  • What times of day you feel most hungry
  • Foods you enjoy and foods you dislike
  • Physical limitations that affect shopping, cooking, or eating

They can design an eating plan you are more likely to follow over time.

Exercise and Building Muscle for People With Disabilities

Exercise Can Help You Gain Muscle Tissue

For many people, weight gain should focus on building muscle, not just adding body fat. This is especially important in colder climates like West Michigan, where maintaining strength and mobility helps prevent falls on snow and ice.

Exercise can:

  • Increase muscle mass
  • Improve strength and balance
  • Support better appetite
  • Improve mood and energy levels

Exercise Is Important, Even With Limited Mobility

People with certain disabilities may have reduced mobility, but any level of activity is helpful. For example:

  • A person who uses a wheelchair can still live a very active life with upper-body exercises.
  • Water exercise (aquatic therapy) is often easier because the water’s buoyancy supports the body and reduces joint stress.
  • Gentle stretching can help prevent muscle tightness, contractures, and further muscle loss.

In Grand Rapids, ask your doctor or physical therapist about:

  • Adaptive fitness programs
  • Aquatic therapy at local rehabilitation centers or community pools
  • Physical therapy services at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health

Always get medical clearance before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have heart, lung, or neurological conditions.

Local Grand Rapids Resources for Underweight and Disability Support

If you are managing underweight and disability in Grand Rapids, you don’t have to do it alone. Helpful resources include:

  • Your GP (primary care doctor) – first point of contact for unexplained weight loss
  • Hospital systems and clinics:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) clinics and nutrition services
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids outpatient nutrition and rehabilitation
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health nutrition and rehab services
    • Mercy Health clinics and specialty care
  • Registered dietitians – for individualized meal plans and calorie targets
  • Physical therapists and physiotherapists – for safe, adaptive exercise programs
  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health – information on community nutrition programs, disability resources, and public health services
  • Local disability support organizations – for caregiver support, transportation, and adaptive equipment

When to Seek Help

Contact a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids promptly if you notice:

  • Unplanned weight loss over several weeks or months
  • Clothes or mobility aids (like braces) becoming looser
  • Ongoing loss of appetite
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or frequent choking
  • Fatigue, weakness, or more frequent falls
  • Worsening mood, anxiety, or depression affecting eating

Early assessment and treatment can prevent complications and help you or your loved one gain weight safely, maintain independence, and improve quality of life in every West Michigan season.