Proper Nutrition, Physical Exercise and Appropriate Weight in Individuals With Long Term Mental Illness

Proper Nutrition, Physical Exercise and Appropriate Weight in Individuals With Long Term Mental Illness

Based on previous findings that mentally ill inpatients are interested in losing treatment associate weight gain and are capable of adhering to a weight reduction program, this study will investigate the effects of participation in nutrition intervention, physical exercise and will monitor measurement of metabolic profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose). Hypothesis: participants will reduce weight, maintain weight loss and experience reduction in metabolic values and will experience improved quality of life.

Study sample: 50 chronic psychiatric inpatients with DSM_IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, aged 18 or older. Exclusion criteria - pregnancy, severe physical illness, refusal to participate.

Study instruments: Q-LES-Q-18 (quality of life): Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale; Laboratory test- glucose levels, metabolic profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides). Measurements: Weight, BMI, pulse Intervention: Weekly group therapy, lectures on nutrition, physical exercise Duration of study: 3 months

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18 and older
• Men or women
• Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
• BMI greater than 26
• Agreement to participate and capacity to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Severe physical illness
• Refusal to participate