Factors associated with weight change in adults with severe mental illness: results from a large cross-sectional survey

Background/objectives: Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) have a reduced life expectancy of 15–25 years. This is due to a number of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Levels of overweight and obesity in this group are 1.8 times higher than in the general population and diet quality is poor. Excess weight is linked to a range of serious long-term physical and mental health conditions. This paper presents the findings of a large cross-sectional survey of adults living with SMI. The survey aimed to understand the current weight, weight gain and diet quality of this group and secondly, to explore the association between weight change, diet quality, antipsychotic medication and weight management. Methods: Five hundred and twenty-nine participants (58% male, mean age 49.3) living with SMI completed the survey. Results: Results showed 42% of the sample were living with obesity and almost half reported having gained 6 kg or more at least once in their adult life. Overall, 6% of the sample reported eating no fruit or vegetables and the same proportion had the highest consumption of carbonated drinks. There was no difference by weight category. Those taking antipsychotic medication and currently managing their weight were more likely to experience weight gain or fluctuation. Conclusions: These results suggest that excess weight and poor diet quality are a major problem in adults with SMI and that current weight management provision is ineffective in addressing the specific needs of people living with SMI.