Lifestyle Program of Dietary Counseling and Exercise to Reduce Heart Disease Risk in Norwegian Adults with Severe Mental Illness

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether a lifestyle program combining dietary counselling and regular physical exercise can improve physical and mental health in Norwegian adults with severe mental illnesses SMI such as schizophrenia spectrum or bipolar disorder. These individuals face a higher risk of early death, mainly due to heart disease, caused partly by unhealthy lifestyle habits and metabolic side effects of medications. The trial aims to test if this program can reduce estimated heart disease risk and improve lifestyle habits, body weight, and metabolic markers over six months. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving a 6-month lifestyle program plus usual mental health care, and the other receiving usual care only. The lifestyle program includes monthly individual sessions with a clinical dietitian focused on heart-healthy dietary changes and weight reduction, monthly group physical activity sessions led by an instructor, and support to follow a personalized moderate-to-high intensity training plan. Participants in the lifestyle group also receive omega-3 supplementation and are encouraged to monitor body weight at home, with biweekly phone support. During the study, researchers will assess changes in estimated 10-year cardiovascular disease risk, lifestyle adherence, physical activity measured by accelerometer, diet quality, body composition, waist circumference, weight, blood pressure, and relevant biomarkers. Measurements occur at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, with statistical analysis to evaluate differences between groups. The study also evaluates feasibility and acceptability of the program for people with SMI. Around 70 adults aged 25 to 70 with schizophrenia spectrum or bipolar disorder will participate, with data collected over the six-month intervention period.

Norwegian Mental Illness Heart Health Study