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Objective With the rate of obesity on the rise worldwide, individuals with schizophrenia represent a particularly vulnerable population. The aim of this study was to assess the metabolic profile of individuals with schizophrenia in relation to dietary and physical activity habits compared to normal controls. Methods Dietary and physical activity habits of 130 individuals with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were compared with 250 BMI, age, gender, and racially matched controls from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) using a 24-hour diet recall and a self report physical activity questionnaire. Results Individuals with schizophrenia had significantly higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin compared to matched controls. Additionally, these individuals had an increased waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure than the comparison group. Daily caloric intake was not different between groups; however, individuals with schizophrenia consumed significantly greater amounts of sugar and fat. Individuals with schizophrenia reported engaging in moderate physical activity less frequently than the NHANES group, but there was no difference in reported vigorous physical activity. Conclusions These findings suggest that the dietary and physical activity habits of individuals with schizophrenia contribute to an adverse metabolic profile. Increased opportunities for physical activity and access to healthy foods for individuals with schizophrenia may ease the burden of disease.

The incidence of obesity in the US has reached epidemic proportions. Previous research has shown several medications exert noticeable effects on body weight regulation. Histamine 1 (H1) receptor blockers commonly used to alleviate allergy symptoms are known to report weight gain as a possible side effect. Therefore, we investigated the association between prescription H1 antihistamine use and obesity in adults using data from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Adults taking prescription H1 antihistamines were matched by age and gender with controls; and compared on the basis of body measurements, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, and lipid levels. Prescription H1 antihistamine users had a significantly higher weight, waist circumference, and insulin concentration than matched controls. The odds ratio (OR) for being overweight was increased in prescription H1 antihistamine users. H1 antihistamine use may contribute to the increased prevalence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome in adults given these medications are also commonly used as over the counter remedies.