ABSTRACT
Occupational health services may wish to offer initiatives such as weight management groups for staff or walking/activity clubs. A review of weight management interventions for people with schizophrenia suggested that 'small reductions in weight can be made through pharmacological, behavioural and dietary interventions'. Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder, which can be severe. People with mental health needs may have poor quality diets, eat more saturated fat, and less fibre and vegetables than the general population. Making an accurate and comprehensive assessment of the patient and issues around weight gain can be especially challenging when working with people who have mental health needs. For all mental health inpatients and community patients, where weight gain is a risk and resources allow, a weekly opportunity for being weighed allows closer monitoring and support. Mental disorders are responsible for more than 12% of the total global burden of disease, particularly affecting the most productive section of the population, young adults.
