Evaluation of an integrated weight management and fitness programme in a high-security psychiatric setting

Aims and Methods To evaluate a new integrated weight management and fitness service for long-stay psychiatric patients who were obese or overweight with physical health risks. Body size and fitness were measured before and after each 10- to 12-week programme. Results The number of patients referred to the programme was 145; 102 were accepted, 95 started a programme and 46 completed it. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. There were significant reductions in weight ( P =0.001), body mass index (BMI, P =0.001) and waist size ( P =0.001), and considerable improvements in hand strength (left hand, P =0.03; right hand, P =0.015), flexibility ( P =0.022), lung function ( P =0.001) and aerobic capacity ( P =0.001). Clinical Implications An integrated programme of weight management and fitness is effective in reducing body weight and waist size, and in improving physical fitness in long-stay psychiatric patients. The long-term effect on patient's health and fitness needs to be monitored and strategies are needed to reduce patient withdrawal.