Monitoring and Managing Weight Gain in the Mentally Ill

Article Abstract

Many patients with schizophrenia and other serious mental illness also suffer fromcomorbid medical conditions and overall poor physical health. Physical healthfactors such as obesity contribute greatly to diseases (including heartdisease, other cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes) that cause much of thedeath and disability in the United States. Other factors, includingpsychotropic medications, may complicate and increase obesity in patients withschizophrenia. However, research shows that patients with serious mentalillness are capable of living healthier lifestyles and losing weight. It isessential that mental and physical health care providers work collaborativelyto increase the health and wellness of patients with serious mental illness.