Improved self‐esteem and activity levels following a 12‐week community activity and healthy lifestyle programme in those with serious mental illness: A feasibility study

BACKGROUND: Those with serious mental illness (SMI) including both psychotic and affective disorders are recognized to have a premature mortality compared to the general population, at least in part due to elevated cardiovascular risk profile. AIM: To examine the effect of a 12-week, pragmatic, sustainable, low-cost intervention involving community activity, nutritional advice and exercise that could be accessible to patients attending a community clinic. METHODS: Participants (N = 35) with SMI attending a community mental health service who were considered at risk of metabolic syndrome were referred by their clinical teams to a specialized healthy activity and nutritional programme. The intervention involved participation in exercise, dietary education and targeted lifestyle advice focused on community activities. Data on physical health and clinical parameters were collected pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Physical activity increased following the intervention along with a statistically significant increase in self-esteem scores. There was no significant reduction in body mass index or lowering of anxiety and depression scores. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to develop a relatively low-cost, community-based physical activity programme, integrating both nutritional advice and healthy activities. This may lead to improved outcomes in cardiovascular risk profile and improved life expectancy.