title: A 6-month randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a lifestyle intervention for weight gain management in schizophrenia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients with schizophrenia have lower longevity than the general population as a consequence of a combination of risk factors connected to the disease, lifestyle and the use of medications, which are related to weight gain.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multicentric, randomized, controlled-trial was conducted to test the efficacy of a 12-week group Lifestyle Wellness Program (LWP). The program consists of a one-hour weekly session to discuss topics like dietary choices, lifestyle, physical activity and self-esteem with patients and their relatives. Patients were randomized into two groups: standard care (SC) and standard care plus intervention (LWP). Primary outcome was defined as the weight and body mass index (BMI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  160 patients participated in the study (81 in the intervention group and 79 in the SC group). On an intent to treat analysis, after three months the patients in the intervention group presented a decrease of 0.48 kg (CI 95% -0.65 to 1.13) while the standard care group showed an increase of 0.48 kg (CI 95% 0.13 to 0.83; p=0.055). At six-month follow-up, there was a significant weight decrease of -1.15 kg, (CI 95% -2.11 to 0.19) in the intervention group compared to a weight increase in the standard care group (+0.5 kg, CI 95% -0.42-1.42, p=0.017).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, this was a multicentric randomized clinical trial with a lifestyle intervention for individuals with schizophrenia, where the intervention group maintained weight and presented a tendency to decrease weight after 6 months. It is reasonable to suppose that lifestyle interventions may be important long-term strategies to avoid the tendency of these individuals to increase weight.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Machado Bitencourt, 222, Vila Clementino, CEP 04044-000, São Paulo, (SP), Brazil. cattux@gmail.com
authors: Cecília
authors: C
authors: Attux
authors: Larissa C
authors: LC
authors: Martini
authors: Hélio
authors: H
authors: Elkis
authors: Sérgio
authors: S
authors: Tamai
authors: Andréa
authors: A
authors: Freirias
authors: Maria das Graças Miquelutti
authors: Md
authors: Camargo
authors: Mário Dinis
authors: MD
authors: Mateus
authors: Jair de Jesus
authors: Jde J
authors: Mari
authors: André F
authors: AF
authors: Reis
authors: Rodrigo A
authors: RA
authors: Bressan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents