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

Author(s)

Attux, Ceclia ^[1] ; Martini, Larissa C. ^[1] ; Elkis, Helio ^[2] ; Tamai, Sergio ^[3] ; Freirias, Andrea ^[3] ; Miquelutti Camargo, Maria das Gracas ^[2] ; Mateus, Mario Dinis ^[1] ; Mari, Jair de Jesus ^[1] ; Reis, Andre F. ^[4] ; Bressan, Rodrigo A. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Psychiat, BR-04044000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Med School, Dept & Inst Psychiat, BR-05403010 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] CAISM Ctr Atencao Integrada Saude Mental Irmandad, BR-04017030 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Med, Div Endocrinol, BR-04039002 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BMC Psychiatry; v. 13, FEB 18 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 25

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. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01368406 (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/00464-6 - Non-pharmacological weight gain management intervention for patients with severe mental illness: a multicentric, randomized, controlled trial
• Grantee: Rodrigo Affonseca Bressan
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants