AUTHOR=Murphy Jenifer A. , Oliver Georgina , Ng Chee H. , Wain Clinton , Magennis Jennifer , Opie Rachelle S. , Bannatyne Amy , Sarris Jerome 

TITLE=Pilot-Testing of “Healthy Body Healthy Mind”: An Integrative Lifestyle Program for Patients With a Mental Illness and Co-morbid Metabolic Syndrome

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2019

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00091

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00091

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=Background: Metabolic syndrome and comorbid physical health conditions are highly prevalent in people with a mental illness. Modifiable lifestyle factors have been targeted to improve health outcomes. Healthy Body Healthy Mind (HBHM) program was developed to provide an integrated evidence-based program incorporating practical diet and exercise instructions; alongside meditation and mindfulness strategies, and comprehensive psychoeducation, to improve the physical and mental health of those with a mental illness. 
Methods: We report on two data points: 1) Qualitative data derived from the first HBHM program (version 1) exploring its utility and acceptance according to patient feedback; 2) Biometric and mental health data collected on the modified and enhanced 12-week HBHM program (version 2) involving a pilot of 10 participants. Mental and physical health outcomes, weight, abdominal circumference, fasting glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides were measured at program entry and completion.   
Results: Qualitative data from HBHM version 1 provided invaluable feedback to improve and redevelop the program. At the end of the HBHM (version 2), 12-week program, a significant weight loss of mean 2kg was achieved, p=0.023. There was also a significant reduction in abdominal circumference (mean = 2.55cm) and a decrease in BMI of almost one point (mean = 0.96kg/m2), p=0.046 and p=0.019, respectively. There were no significant changes in mental health or on any other biometrics. 
Conclusion: Pilot data from the HBHM program found significant reductions in weight and abdominal obesity. The HBHM program could benefit from further modifications and study replication is required using a controlled design in a larger sample.