Nutrition and obesity in the chronic mentally ill

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the need for nutrition intervention in a group of people living in mental health residential houses in the Northern Sydney Area.

Method: A nutrition assessment was conducted by the researcher using a face-to-face interview with mental health residents and a survey on medical background completed by case managers.

Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly greater than that reported for the general population. Respondents also had a significantly higher prevalence of abdominal obesity than the general population. No respondent met the minimum core food group requirements as outlined in the 12345+ Food and Nutrition Plan.

Conclusions: The needs assessment has shown that nutrition promotion is required in this group. The task ahead is to motivate the group to change their food and nutrition behaviours, where many barriers to a healthy lifestyle exist.