title: Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents with severe mental illness: a cross-sectional chart review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Pediatric obesity (body mass index [BMI] > or = 95th percentile for sex and age) and overweight (BMI > or = 85th percentile < 95% percentile) are priority public health targets for the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We examined the prevalence and risk of overweight and obesity in adolescents with serious mental disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  Height, weight, demographic, diagnostic, and treatment data were reviewed for 114 adolescents attending a partial hospitalization program over 18 consecutive months between January 2003 and July 2004. Sample data were compared to normative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and regional county data for BMI. Unadjusted odds ratios and their 95% CIs were calculated for each categorical risk factor using the chi-squared test. A logistic regression model was conducted to detect the effects of these risk factors on the occurrence of overweight and obesity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 55.4% (n = 63); the prevalence for obesity alone was 30% (n = 34), approximately double the rate in national and county norms. Lack of private insurance, smoking, and antidepressant and antipsychotic treatment were associated with overweight and obese status.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adolescents with severe mental illness are at increased risk for overweight and obesity. Identification of elevated BMI, associated risk factors, and efforts to prevent weight gain should begin at initiation of mental health treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, 300 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Barbara_Gracious@urmc.rochester.edu
authors.forename: Barbara L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Gracious
authors.forename: Stephen R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: Ashley E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Madalina C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Chirieac
authors.forename: Namrita
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Malhi
authors.forename: Anthony T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Fischetti
authors.forename: Teresa L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Finucane
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ma
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003631:Day Care, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009426:Netherlands; D009765:Obesity / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs