Efficacy of behavioural lifestyle interventions for weight management of psychiatric patients
Significant weight gain is common in patients with psychiatric disorders taking antipsychotics, mood stabilisers and/or antidepressants. Psychiatric patients are at a higher risk of suffering from obesity and from the metabolic syndrome than the general population. One promising alternative to limiting weight gain involves modifying lifestyle behaviors. We reviewed the literature on behavioral weight management programs for this clientele. Of the 17 identified studies, 12 reported a significant impact of the program on weight gain compared to usual care. The importance of offering weight management programs to psychiatric patients in outpatient settings is stressed.