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Diseases

Specialist-Delivered Nutrition and Exercise Interventions Effective for Severe Mental Illness

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis has investigated the effectiveness of specialist-delivered nutrition and exercise interventions on the physical health of individuals with severe mental illness. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of New South Wales, involved an electronic database search of Scopus, Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, using key nutritional, cardiometabolic, and psychiatric terminology. The review included 31 studies, with combined nutrition and exercise interventions revealing positive effects on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Nutrition-only intervention studies showed a positive effect on systolic blood pressure, while exercise-only interventions did not demonstrate significant impacts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Specialist-delivered nutrition and exercise interventions are effective in improving weight, BMI, and waist circumference status in individuals with severe mental illness.
  • The meta-analysis of combined nutrition and exercise interventions revealed significant positive effects on BMI (Mean diff = -1.78 [95% confidence interval (CI) -2.97 to -0.59], p = 0.00) and waist circumference (Mean diff = -4.13 [95% CI -7.25 to -1.00], p = 0.01).
  • Nutrition-only intervention studies showed a positive effect on systolic blood pressure (Mean diff = -6.14 [95% CI -12.02 to -0.26], p = 0.04).
  • Exercise-only interventions did not demonstrate significant impacts on cardiometabolic risk factors.
  • The research provides evidence to support the implementation of specialist-delivered nutrition and exercise interventions as part of standard care for individuals with severe mental illness.
  • The study highlights the importance of addressing physical health in the treatment of severe mental illness.

Statistics:

  • 31 studies were included in the meta-analysis.
  • 12 studies opted for combined nutrition and exercise interventions.
  • 9 studies included nutrition interventions only.
  • 10 studies included exercise interventions only.
  • The meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in BMI (-1.78) and waist circumference (-4.13) with combined nutrition and exercise interventions.
  • Nutrition-only interventions showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (-6.14).

Sources:

  • Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 2025:48674251384054.
  • Scott Teasdale, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
  • Tamieka Mawer, Rachel Bacon, Nicholas Brown, Andrew McKune, and Jane Kellett, co-authors of the study.
  • Sage Publications Ltd, 1 Olivers Yard, 55 City Road, London EC1Y 1SP, England.
  • NewsRx. Recent Findings from University of New South Wales Has Provided New Data on Mental Health Diseases and Conditions (Effectiveness of specialist-delivered interventions in severe mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis). Mental Health Weekly Digest. November 3, 2025; p 476.

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