Individual Dietetic Consultations in First Episode Psychosis: A Novel Intervention to Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk

Abstract

Individual dietetic consultations were trialled in a community-based first-episode psychosis program. Participants received eight individualised dietetic consultations, plus weekly shopping tours and cooking groups. The outcome measure was waist circumference (WC). In total, 30 patients commenced the program. An intention-to-treat analysis revealed, a statistically significant reduction in WC (mean = 2.1 ± 5.4 cm, t = 2.1, df = 29, p = 0.04). Similar results were found for the 14 participants who attended all eight sessions (mean WC reduction = 2.9 ± 4.7 cm, t = 2.3, df = 13, p = 0.04). Dietetic consultations were feasible and effective in reducing WC, and could enhance programs to reduce cardiometabolic risk in youth with psychosis using lifestyle interventions.