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Evaluation of an integrated weight management and fitness programme in a high-security psychiatric setting

^*Rampton Hospital, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Retford DN22 OPD, UK, email: irene.cormac{at}nottshc.nhs.uk

Sheree Hallford, Senior Dietician

Nutrition and Dietetics Service, Bassetlaw Hospital, Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust, Kilton Hill, Worksop, UK

Lisa Hart, Health and Fitness Team Lead

Rampton Hospital, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

Sandra Creasey, Assistant Clinical Psychologist

Psychology Department, Healthy Lifestyle Programme, Rampton Hospital, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

Michael Ferriter, Senior Research Fellow

Research and Development Department, Rampton Hospital, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHODS

To evaluate a new integrated weight management and fitness service for long-stay psychiatric patients who were obese or overweight with physical health risks. Body size and fitness were measured before and after each 10- to 12-week programme.

RESULTS

The number of patients referred to the programme was 145;102 were accepted, 95 started a programme and 46 completed it. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. There were significant reductions in weight (P=0.001), body mass index (BMI, P=0.001) and waist size (P=0.001), and considerable improvements in hand strength (left hand, P=0.03; right hand, P=0.015), flexibility (P=0.022), lung function (P=0.001) and aerobic capacity (P=0.001).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

An integrated programme of weight management and fitness is effective in reducing body weight and waist size, and in improving physical fitness in long-stay psychiatric patients. The long-term effect on patient’s health and fitness needs to be monitored and strategies are needed to reduce patient withdrawal.