title: Meal replacements as a weight loss tool in a population with severe mental illness.
abstract: Weight gain and worsening metabolic parameters are often side effects of antipsychotic medications used by individuals with severe mental illness. To address this, a randomized, controlled research study of a behavioral weight management program for individuals with severe mental illness was undertaken to assess its efficacy. Patients unable to meet weight loss goals during the first portion of the year-long study were given the option of using meal replacement shakes in an effort to assist with weight loss. Specific requirements for use of meal replacement shakes were specified in the study protocol; only five patients were able to use the shakes in accordance with the protocol and lose weight while improving metabolic parameters. Case studies of two subjects are presented, illustrating the challenges and obstacles they faced, as well as their successes. Taking responsibility for their own weight loss, remaining motivated through the end of the study, and incorporating the meal replacement shakes into a daily routine were factors found in common with these patients. Use of meal replacements shakes with this population may be effective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073, United States. Electronic address: Hollie.gelberg@va.gov.
authors.forename: Hollie A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Gelberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073, United States. Electronic address: Crystal.kwan@va.gov.
authors.forename: Crystal L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Kwan
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073, United States. Electronic address: Shirley.mena@va.gov.
authors.forename: Shirley J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Mena
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073, United States. Electronic address: Zachary.erickson@va.gov.
authors.forename: Zachary D
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073, United States. Electronic address: Matthew.baker9@va.gov.
authors.forename: Matthew R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street, North Hills, CA 91343, United States. Electronic address: Valery.chamberlin@va.gov.
authors.forename: Valery
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chamberlin
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822, United States. Electronic address: Charles.nguyen@va.gov.
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822, United States. Electronic address: Jennifer.rosen@va.gov.
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 351 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States. Electronic address: Chandresh.shah@va.gov.
authors.forename: Chandresh
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073, United States. Electronic address: Donna.ames@va.gov.
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ames
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005526:Food, Formulated; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss
keywords: Diet; Meal replacements; Mental illness; Nutrition; Obesity; Weight management