Factors Associated With Weight Intervention Participation Among People With Serious Mental Illness

Abstract

Evidence-based practices effectively reduce weight in people with serious mental illness (SMI), yet participation is limited. Positive relationships between self-efficacy (SE), readiness to change (RtC), and subsequent participation in weight loss interventions have been demonstrated in the general population. The role of SE and RtC in predicting participation in individuals with SMI is explored. A total of 82 participants recruited from a county mental health clinic and a Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health clinic were randomly assigned to a weight management intervention or usual care. RtC and SE were assessed at baseline. Intervention participation rates were gathered. SE significantly correlated with intervention participation (p<.02). RtC did not predict significantly over and above SE. A linear combination of all measures was significantly related to participation (p<.05). To improve weight intervention participation by individuals with SMI, one direction may be to improve weight loss SE.

REalist Synthesis Of non-pharmacologicaL interVEntions for antipsychotic-induced weight gain (RESOLVE) in people living with severe mental illness

“…using functionalitybased techniques) (C), potentially decreasing weight stigma and increasing positive body image (O) due to individuals' greater appreciation of themselves as holistic human beings (M). 40 77 78 Quotes: Interventions may also need to address issues concerning current societal stigma regarding both psychotic experiences and excess weight, with the potential to draw on the emerging body positivity movement ideas concerning more compassionate approaches. 78 …interventions aimed at improving functionality appreciation could be regarded beneficial therapeutic targets in the treatment of psychosis.…”

“…Including a short intervention bolstering SE (i.e., motivational interviewing focused on identifying prior displays of SE and successful change) before the weight management intervention may be beneficial (Armstrong et al, 2011). 40 The theoretical base of the ACHIEVE Trial fits well within the psychiatric rehabilitation framework which emphasizes tenets of intrinsic skills building and environmental support [37,38]. Motivational interviewing provides an important framework for helping participants problem solve and set goals for weight loss.…”

“…Succeeding with family and friend support When individuals with SMI and weight gain from anti-psychotics have family members/friends who emotionally support them with encouragement, praise and recognition; provide practical support (e.g., transportation); and/or actively participate with them in weight management activities (C), individuals are more apt to achieve and sustain their behaviour change goals (O), due to increased social reinforcement for their lifestyle change efforts (M). 40 Quotes: Participants cited empathy, validation, praise and encouragement from family members and significant others as supporting their efforts to achieve their health goals. One participant described receiving praise from friends when she lost weight: …"to the gym but she is going so she'll say, 'Why don't you come along,' and I eventually do go, and I feel better afterwards.…”

“…'I can do it') and readiness to participate in weight management planning and treatment. 40 Interventions often fail when individuals are not open to participation. 62 Motivational interviewing is one 'guiding style' and a relational, strengths-based approach that foregrounds individuals' existing strengths and future aspirations.…”