Nutritional Intervention for Weight Loss in Patients with Severe Mental Illness
Author Information
Author(s): Hassapidou Maria, Papadimitriou Konstantina, Athanasiadou Niki, Tokmakidou Valasia, Pagkalos Ioannis, Vlahavas George, Tsofliou Fotini
Primary Institution: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Food Technology and Nutrition, Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, Greece
Hypothesis
The study aimed to investigate the effects of a long-term nutritional intervention on body weight, body fat, and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with severe mental illness.
Conclusion
The nutritional intervention produced significant reductions in body weight, body fat, and improved the cardiometabolic profile in patients with severe mental illness.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean final weight loss was 9.7 kg and BMI decreased to 30.7 kg/m2.
- There were significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides concentrations throughout the study.
- The intervention included personalized dietary counseling based on a Mediterranean-style diet.
Takeaway
This study shows that helping people with severe mental illness eat better can help them lose weight and be healthier.
Methodology
The study involved a 9-month nutritional intervention with personalized dietetic treatment and lifestyle counseling for 989 patients, with measurements taken at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months.
Potential Biases
Psychiatric disorders may have influenced participants' ability to adhere to the weight loss program.
Limitations
The study did not include a control group, and there was a significant drop-out rate among participants.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 774 women and 215 men, with a mean age of 40 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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