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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2013 Feb 18:13:60.
doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-13-60.

A 6-month randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a lifestyle intervention for weight gain management in schizophrenia

Cecília Attux  1 , Larissa C Martini, Hélio Elkis, Sérgio Tamai, Andréa Freirias, Maria das Graças Miquelutti Camargo, Mário Dinis Mateus, Jair de Jesus Mari, André F Reis, Rodrigo A Bressan
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A 6-month randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a lifestyle intervention for weight gain management in schizophrenia

Cecília Attux et al. BMC Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Background: Patients with schizophrenia have lower longevity than the general population as a consequence of a combination of risk factors connected to the disease, lifestyle and the use of medications, which are related to weight gain.

Methods: A multicentric, randomized, controlled-trial was conducted to test the efficacy of a 12-week group Lifestyle Wellness Program (LWP). The program consists of a one-hour weekly session to discuss topics like dietary choices, lifestyle, physical activity and self-esteem with patients and their relatives. Patients were randomized into two groups: standard care (SC) and standard care plus intervention (LWP). Primary outcome was defined as the weight and body mass index (BMI).

Results: 160 patients participated in the study (81 in the intervention group and 79 in the SC group). On an intent to treat analysis, after three months the patients in the intervention group presented a decrease of 0.48 kg (CI 95% -0.65 to 1.13) while the standard care group showed an increase of 0.48 kg (CI 95% 0.13 to 0.83; p=0.055). At six-month follow-up, there was a significant weight decrease of -1.15 kg, (CI 95% -2.11 to 0.19) in the intervention group compared to a weight increase in the standard care group (+0.5 kg, CI 95% -0.42-1.42, p=0.017).

Conclusion: In conclusion, this was a multicentric randomized clinical trial with a lifestyle intervention for individuals with schizophrenia, where the intervention group maintained weight and presented a tendency to decrease weight after 6 months. It is reasonable to suppose that lifestyle interventions may be important long-term strategies to avoid the tendency of these individuals to increase weight.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01368406.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT diagram: participation in the study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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