Factors increasing total MET were younger age, reduced BPRS positive symptoms and increased BPRS hyperactivity symptoms.

Treated patients have almost 8 times the likelihood to show an increase of the total and walking MET.

Receiving the experimental intervention increased the frequency of vegetables consumption and reduced the likelihood of eating junk food.

Factors influencing vegetables’ consumption included higher levels of cognitive functioning.

A better cognitive functioning was positively associated to a significant reduction in junk food consumption.

Aims of the present study are to test the efficacy of a lifestyle group intervention, compared to a brief psychoeducational intervention, on levels of physical activity and dietary habits in a real-world sample of patients with severe mental disorders. The study, funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, has been carried out in six Italian University psychiatric outpatient units. All patients were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group and were assessed through standardized assessment instruments at baseline and six months after randomization. Of the 401 recruited patients, 43.3% had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, 29.9% of psychosis and 26.9% of major depression. Patients were mainly female (57%), with a mean age of 45.6±11.8 years. Treated patients have almost 8 times the likelihood to show an increase of the total MET (OR: 8.02; p < .001) and of the walking MET (OR: 7.68; p < .001) and are more likely to increase the weekly consumption of vegetables (OR= 1.98, p < .05) and to reduce that of junk food (OR:0.23; p < .05). The present study support the notion that patients with severe mental disorders can improve their lifestyle behaviours and that, with appropriate support, they can achieve a healthy living.

Physical activity

Healthy diet

Randomized controlled trial

Severe mental disorders

Cognitive functioning

Bipolar disorder

Psychosis

Schizophrenia

Depression

Exercise

© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.