News: 42% of patients with severe mental illness report obesity and poor eating habits, survey reports
Patients with severe mental illness (SMI), which was defined as a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophrenia, have reported high levels of obesity and poor health, a new survey suggests. According to the recently published article “Factors associated with weight change in adults with severe mental illness: Results from a large cross-sectional survey,” researchers surveyed 529 participants (58% male, mean age 49.3) across the United Kingdom from March 2020 to March 2022.
The survey consisted of three sections: physical activity and sedentary behavior, socio-demographics, and overall health choices. Participants were then asked to rate their mental health in the 12 months as “excellent, good, moderate, poor, or very poor.”
According to the results of the survey:
- 42% of those sampled were living with obesity, and almost half reported having gained 6 kg (13lbs) or more at least once in their adult life
- 6% of the sample reported eating no fruit or vegetables, and the same proportion had the highest consumption of carbonated drinks
- Almost two-thirds (62%) of the sample reported they are currently managing their weight
Additionally, the researchers found that participants on antipsychotic medications had higher risks for weight gain than those not on antipsychotic medications.
“The high levels of overweight and obesity in this sample along with the high proportion who report actively managing their weight,” the authors concluded, “suggests that current weight management options are inadequate in addressing the specific needs of people with SMI, namely medication management.”
Editor’s note: To read the Medscape coverage, click here. To read the study, click here.