Follow‐up study of an integrated weight management and fitness programme
| Pages | 14-20 |
| Published date | 22 March 2013 |
| Date | 22 March 2013 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/13619321311306929 |
| Author | Irene Cormac,Michael Ferriter,Sandra Buchan |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
Follow-up study of an integrated weight
management and fitness programme
Irene Cormac, Michael Ferriter and Sandra Buchan
Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of 14 cohorts of patients recruited into an
integrated weight management and fitness programme in a high secure psychiatric hospital.
Design/methodology/approach – Body measurements and fitness parameters were measured before
commencement and after completion of the programme.
Findings – Of the 206 patients recruited for the first time to one of 14 programmes, 120 (58 per cent)
patients completed their programme, of these 76/120 (63 per cent) lost weight with a mean weight loss
of 1.3 kg (sd 3.7). Statistically significant improvements were recorded for hand strength ( p,0.005),
flexibility ( p,0.0001), peak expiratory flow ( p,0.0001) and aerobic capacity ( p,0.0001). There
were no significant changes in systolic blood pressure and resting heart rate, although there was a
significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure ( p,0.05).
Research limitations/implications – It was not possible to undertake an economic analysis. Motivation
to lose weight was not assessed. Data were not available on the hours of staff time taken to deliver the
programmes and whether patients were smokers or not.
Practical implications – These programmes complied with NICE guidance for weight management.
This service evaluation demonstratesthe effectiveness of these specially designed weight management
and fitness interventionsfor patients with complex mental health needs. They couldbe used in conditions
of lesser security andin the community with patients with complex mental healthneeds.
Originality/value – This is a follow-up study with significantly more data than presented in an earlier
paper which reported on the results of only the first four programmes.
Keywords Mental disorder, Inpatient, Weight management, Fitness, Programme, Physical health,
Health services
Paper type Technical paper
Background
People with mental disorders are at greater risk of premature mortality and increased
morbidity than people in the general population (Harris and Barraclough, 1998; Brown et al.,
2000; Joukamaa et al., 2001; Colton and Manderscheid, 2006). Social and environmental
factors make a significant contribution to their poor health. In addition, some psychotropic
medications have side effects of weight gain (Enger et al., 2004; Joukamaa et al., 2006;
Gentile, 2006). Weight increase is a known risk factor for diabetes, coronary heart disease,
several forms of cancer and osteoarthritis. Schizophrenia is also an independent risk factor
for diabetes mellitus (Peet, 2004).
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2006) guidance on management of
obesity provides recommendations on the strategy and interventions for the treatment of
obesity.NICE recommends the provision of a local obesity strategy and programmes to offer
tailored advice and ongoing support. Weight management programmes should include
advice on diet and eating behaviour in conjunction with increased physical activity and
exercise, as provided by these programmes reported below.
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MENTAL HEALTHREVIEW JOURNAL
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VOL. 18 NO. 1 2013, pp. 14-20, QEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1361-9322 DOI 10.1108/13619321311306929
Irene Cormac is an
Honorary Consultant
Forensic Psychiatrist,
Nottinghamshire
Healthcare NHS Trust,
Rampton Hospital,
Retford, UK.
Michael Ferriter is Joint
Lead for Research,
Forensic Division,
Nottinghamshire
Healthcare NHS Trust,
Nottingham, UK.
Sandra Buchan is a
Research Assistant,
Nottinghamshire
Healthcare NHS Trust,
Nottingham, UK.
The authors wish to thank
Lisa Hart, Evelyn Goodwin and
Amy Pritty (members of the
Healthy Lifestyle Team) and
Sheree Hallford (Dietitian) for
their contributions to the
delivery of these programmes
and Ms Elaine Wilson for her
assistance with data collection.
Declaration of interests: for all
authors: none.
Publisher’s note: This is an
updated version of an article
originally published in MHRJ,
Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 14-20:
‘‘Evaluation of an integrated
weight management and
fitness programme’’,
Irene Cormac, Michael Ferriter
and Sandra Buchan. We
withdrew the previous version
of the article and apologize to
the authors.
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