Accuracy of body image perception and preferred weight loss strategies in schizophrenia: a controlled pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Obesity in severely mentally ill (SMI) populations is an increasing problem, but there is no controlled data regarding the relationship between SMI and weight perception.


METHODS
Fifty patients with schizophrenia and 50 demographically matched control participants were recruited. Weight, height, and body image accuracy were assessed for all participants, and assessments of mood, psychotic symptom severity and anxiety, and preferred modes of weight loss were assessed for the schizophrenia sample.


RESULTS
Patients with schizophrenia were significantly more likely to be obese than controls (46% vs. 18%, P < 0.005), and most patients expressed an interest in losing weight. Obese participants with schizophrenia underestimated their body size (11.0%) more than controls (4.9%) (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with schizophrenia are more likely to underestimate their body size, independent of the effects of obesity. However, they also express concern about weight issues and willingness to participate in psychoeducational groups targeted at weight loss.
Loh
C
C
Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, University of California, San Diego, CA 92161, USA. cloh@ucsd.edu
Meyer
J M
JM
Leckband
S G
SG
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002755:Choice Behavior; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D015431:Weight Loss