People with mental illness are over 50% more likely to be overweight or obese than those without (Reference Compton, Daumit and DrussCompton et al, 2006). Evidence shows that people with schizophrenia have an increased risk of early death, mostly due to cardiovascular disease and diabetes linked to obesity.
A case-control study carried out in Nithsdale, Scotland (Reference McCreadie, Macdonald and BlacklockMcCreadie et al, 1998) showed that most patients with schizophrenia were overweight or obese and their intake of saturated fats was higher compared with age-matched controls. On average they consumed 12 portions of fruit and vegetables a week instead of the recommended 35 per week. It was concluded that people with schizophrenia were making poor dietary choices and assertive programmes were needed.
Patients admitted during acute phase of their mental illness often have impaired judgement; therefore care should be anything but increased in such situations. However, astonishingly many mental health units have placed vending machines outside the acute mental health wards, which only dispense chocolate bars, crisps and soft drinks, with no healthy options. It is hard not to be cynical about the motives behind installation of such machines; surely it is not just for the convenience of patients. Instead of being opportunistic, offering patients a diet rich in calories, refined starch and fat at their doorstep can in no way be justified.
Since stimulus control is an integral part of weight management, it is time to put the practice right and make healthier choices available to the already vulnerable client group. As healthcare professionals we cannot justify waiting for someone like Jamie Oliver to teach us the basic rules of a balanced diet.
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