Exercise and Lifestyle Programme Improves Weight Maintenance in Young People with Psychosis: a Service Evaluation

Background: Young people with psychosis typically have higher rates of premature cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders compared to non-psychotic peers due to unhealthy lifestyle habits and higher rates of obesity. This study presents outcomes from a 12 wk exercise and lifestyle intervention entitled Supporting Health and Promoting Exercise (SHAPE) Programme for young people with psychosis.
Methods: Participants (n=26) engaged in weekly 45’ healthy lifestyle education sessions (e.g. substance/smoking cessation, nutritional advice) followed by 45’ exercise session (e.g. group aerobic and resistance training, yoga). Anthropometric data were measured at baseline, 12 wks and 12 mos post-intervention. Lifestyle behaviours and clinical measurements (resting heart rate, blood pressure, blood lipids, HbA1c and prolactin) were assessed at baseline and 12 mos.
Results: Mean baseline data suggests participants were at an increased health risk with elevated values in mean BMI (70% overweight/obese), waist circumference, resting heart rate, and triglycerides. Over 50% reported smoking daily and 52% of participants were prescribed highly obesogenic antipsychotic medications (Clozapine, Olanzepine). At 12 wks and 12 mos, no changes were observed in mean BMI, waist circumference or any other clinical variable (p > 0.05). Positive impacts on lifestyle behaviours included 7 participants eating ~400g of fruit/vegetables daily, 2 ceased substance use, 2 ceased alcohol use, 4 ceased smoking and 5 were less sedentary.
Conclusions: SHAPE supported participants to attenuate their physical health risk following a 12 wk intervention which was sustained at 12 mos follow up. Participants also made positive lifestyle behaviour changes contributing to weight maintenance and physical health.