Nearly 2 in 3 adults are overweight or obese in Australia. Studies show that disabled people are likely obese. It’s because they are less physically active. They also find it difficult to access healthcare. Managing obesity for people with disabilities is not as easy as 1-2-3 due to their limited mobility or chronic health conditions.
NDIS exercise physiologists help address the problem with obesity management. They specialise in designing personalised, disability-friendly exercise programs for weight management. They combine evidence-based exercise strategies with nutrition guidance. This will help people with disabilities improve their mobility and strength.
An exercise physiologist is an allied health professional with university level training and qualifications. They specialise in movement-based therapy. They focus on exercise as medicine. They also develop programs that improve mobility and alleviate pain for people suffering from chronic pain or living with disability.
In contrast to personal trainers, exercise physiologists have deep knowledge of how various conditions can affect your body. If there is anything you would like to know about NDIS personal trainers, you can read our other blog on “How NDIS Personal Trainers Help Individuals with ADHD Stay Active & Focused“.
Weight loss needs a customised plan, particularly for individuals with disabilities. At Roaming Therapy, our NDIS exercise physiologist can help by:
NDIS funding is available for exercise physiology under two categories:
Speak with your NDIS support coordinator or NDIS plan manager if you’re not sure whether exercise physiology is included in your NDIS plan. Check the latest NDIS Price Guidelines for 2025 so you’ll know everything you need before booking a therapy.
Obesity can affect your weight, your health, your mobility, and your emotional well-being. People with disabilities are at higher risks of becoming obese. It can worsen existing conditions and can lead to further complications.
Too much weight on the body puts additional stress on the joints, muscles, and bones. This could lead to pain, inflammation, and mobility issues. Obesity can cause increased muscle stiffness and reduced mobility. If you suffer from cerebral palsy, it might be worth checking this blog, “How Mobile Physiotherapy in Melbourne Can Help Regain Mobility for People with Cerebral Palsy”.
Too much weight puts more pressure on joints and increases pain for people with arthritis and joint hypermobility. Obesity can also worsen conditions such as scoliosis or herniated discs.
People suffering from chronic joint pain can find it hard to move which can decrease their physical activity. At Roaming Therapy, our NDIS exercise physiologist can design programs that focus on low-impact exercises. This includes hydrotherapy, resistance training, and stretching. These exercises can help alleviate pain and strengthen supporting muscles.
Obesity can lead to reduced flexibility, balance issues, and muscle weakness. This makes daily movements harder. Over time, this can cause difficulty in standing, walking, or using mobility aids. Obese people are at higher risk of falls and injuries.
Maintaining mobility is important to the independence and quality of life of NDIS participants. An NDIS exercise physiologist works to improve strength, endurance, and coordination through customised exercise plans. This ensures that individuals can move more freely and safely.
Obesity is associated with a range of chronic conditions. Managing these conditions can be tougher for people with disabilities. Obesity can increase diabetes risk due to insulin resistance for those with type 2 diabetes. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Too much weight can result in poor sleeping issues due to airway obstruction. They may suffer from sleep apnea and breathing difficulties. Obesity can worsen digestion issues.
At Roaming Therapy, our NDIS exercise physiologist can create a custom exercise plan to help with weight management.
Many people think only exercise helps with obesity. Diet is equally important in obesity management. Exercise alone won’t be enough if a person eats too many calories or lacks essential nutrients.
Here are some major diet challenges NDIS participants may struggle with:
To support weight management, an NDIS exercise physiologist works with a dietitian. They will develop meal plans that fit with your exercise goals. They provide guidance to NDIS participants about balanced meals and portion control. They provide solutions for managing cravings and stress eating.
It’s not easy to find a qualified NDIS exercise physiologist, especially for individuals living in regional and remote areas in Melbourne. Many towns don’t have enough NDIS-registered exercise physiologists. This leaves participants with few options for face-to-face consultations.
If you’re struggling to find a provider, here’s what you can do:
Mobile exercise physiology can be an option for participants in remote areas. Many NDIS exercise physiologists offer virtual consultations to guide participants in home-based exercise programs that fit their needs.
To include NDIS exercise physiology in your plan, follow these steps:
If you’re ready to work with an NDIS exercise physiologist in Melbourne, follow these steps:
Managing obesity with a disability requires more than just diet and exercise. It demands a personalised, sustainable approach that considers mobility limitations, chronic conditions, and individual goals. NDIS exercise physiologists specialise in creating safe, effective, and adaptive programs that help participants:
If you or a loved one is an NDIS participant in Melbourne, partnering with an accredited exercise physiologist can make a meaningful difference in long-term health outcomes. By combining tailored exercise plans with nutrition strategies, they provide holistic support that aligns with NDIS goals.
For more guidance on NDIS therapy and wellness services, explore resources from Roaming Therapy.
Navigating NDIS Physiotherapy doesn’t have to be confusing. This guide covers how it works, what’s included, and how to choose the right provider to meet your goals. We also highlight how physiotherapy can help improve day-to-day function and quality of life.
Find out how NDIS physio could be the missing link in your therapy plan. Read more now!
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