Weight Management in Irish Inpatients with Serious Mental Illness
Author Information
Author(s): Chris J Bushe, Dermot McNamara, Cliff Haley, Mary Fleming McCrossan, Pat Devitt
Primary Institution: Eli Lilly and Company Ltd
Hypothesis
Can a modular behavioral program prevent or reduce weight gain in acutely unwell inpatients with serious mental illness?
Conclusion
The study suggests that acutely unwell inpatients with serious mental illness may benefit from a behavioral weight program, as many maintained or lost weight instead of gaining it.
Supporting Evidence
- 70% of patients either maintained or lost weight during the program.
- The mean weight change was +0.26 kg, indicating minimal weight gain.
- No significant difference in weight change was observed based on the duration of program engagement.
Takeaway
This study shows that a weight management program can help some patients in the hospital not gain weight, which is usually a big problem for them.
Methodology
A modular behavioral intervention program was adapted for inpatient use and evaluated in 5 centers in Ireland.
Potential Biases
Data on many demographics and treatment histories were missing for 38% of patients, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study lacks a control group and has a short follow-up period, limiting the ability to generalize results.
Participant Demographics
47 patients (26 females, 21 males) with diagnoses including schizophrenia and affective disorders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.5
Statistical Significance
p=0.5
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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