Evaluation of a behavioural weight management programme for patients with severe mental illness: 3 year results

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Excess weight is a common problem in the general population and in those with severe mental illness and is associated with a range of adverse consequences. The evidence base for managing excess weight in those with severe psychiatric illness is small. We report the outcome of a weight management programme provided in a community mental health centre. The programme consisted of group sessions, held weekly and lasting one hour. Participants self‐referred and attended as many sessions as they wished. Sessions included weighing, feedback from participants and education on a range of issues including healthy eating and exercise. Over a 3‐year period 70 patients, predominantly with schizophrenia, attended the programme. Length of follow‐up ranged from 2 weeks to 3 years. Data for all 70 patients was evaluated. The mean BMI at entry to the programme was 32.5 kg/m2. The mean number of sessions attended was 34. Patients achieved a mean weight loss of 4.97 kg. The mean BMI at last attendance was 30.7 kg/m2. Weight loss correlated with number of sessions attended (p = 0.0001). This study demonstrates the long‐term value of a weight management programme at 3 years and supports the hypothesis that weight loss can be achieved using a simple behavioural intervention in motivated psychiatric patients. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.