Cigarette Smoking and Overweight/Obesity Among Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses: A Preventive Perspective

Abstract

The high prevalence, adverse effects, and efficaciousness of treatments for smoking and obesity in persons with serious mental illnesses suggest the importance of addressing these problems in this population. Both further research and dissemination efforts are needed to ensure that patients with serious mental illnesses receive the appropriate preventive and clinical services for these two adverse health conditions.

Trends in standardized mortality among individuals with schizophrenia, 1993–2012: a population-based, repeated cross-sectional study

“…25 By contrast, individuals with schizophrenia have not benefited from reductions in cardiovascular deaths to the same extent. 26,27 These conditions, along with higher rates of suicide and accidental deaths, contribute to premature mortality. Although higher rates of unnatural deaths tend to occur more often in early adulthood, 28 our analysis of YPLL reflects the premature mortality toll resulting from natural causes, suggesting that schizophrenia can indeed be considered a "life-shortening disease," as some authors assert.…”

Nutrition and mental health recovery

“…For instance, there are certain papers highlighting the importance of incorporating healthy lifestyle programmes into mental health service delivery (Richardson et al (2005). Compton et al (2006) argues that many of the same preventive approaches developed for general medical populations are likely to be effective in people with mental health problems.…”

“…For instance, Hutchinson (1996) found that nutrient intake was significantly poorer for individuals with psychiatric disabilities compared to the general population. Compton et al (2006) completed a review of the literature utilising the Medline database and found that compared to those without a mental illness, individuals with a mental illness were more than twice as likely to smoke cigarettes and more than 50% were likely to be overweight, which the author attributed to a unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. In addition, Hoyle and Hazzledine (2004) carried out a cross-sectional exploratory survey of mentally ill adults to establish their dietary patterns, compared with the general population.…”

Physical health of patients with bipolar disorder

“…Educational campaigns such as changes in food options, motivational interviewing and regular health screening are necessary to promote a healthy lifestyle (Compton et al, 2006).…”

“…Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and smoking promote cardiovascular disease progression and are the most important target comorbidities to improve in overall patient health. Strategies to reduce the smoking-related risk for cardiovascular disorder should include introducing adequate smoking cessation programs supported by mental health clinicians trained in cessation techniques and targeted educational promotions to reduce smoking initiation (Compton et al, 2006).…”