Nutrition and Exercise for Wellness and Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Community-Based Health...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Public Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Individuals with psychiatric disabilities often face challenges in adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors.
• Weight management and physical activity are crucial for overall well-being in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Nutrition and Exercise for Wellness and Recovery (NEW-R) intervention.
• To assess improvements in diet, physical activity, and weight management competency and behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with 113 participants with psychiatric disabilities.
• Intervention group received NEW-R; control group received standard care.
• Outcome measures included perceived competence, lifestyle behaviors (HPLP), and weight change.

Main Results:

• The NEW-R group showed significant improvements in perceived competence for exercise and healthy eating.
• Participants in the NEW-R group had higher overall Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile scores.
• Weight loss was observed at sites where the intervention was administered in supportive settings.

Conclusions:

• The NEW-R intervention shows promise for initiating healthy lifestyle changes and enhancing perceived competence.
• NEW-R may be effective for weight loss when implemented in supportive community mental health settings.