Objective: Suboptimal diet may be related to the high prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in persons with serious mental illnesses, but few studies have characterized dietary intake in this population.
Methods: Participants were 102 overweight/obese adults with serious mental illnesses who were being screened for a weight loss trial in psychiatric rehabilitation centers. Direct observation of participant meals was completed using a standardized measurement form.
Results: CVD risk factors were common: mean body mass index was 35.7 kg/m2; 30% had diabetes. Participants consumed 100% of caloric beverages served (7.2 oz/meal) but consumption was significantly less than served for fruits (difference of 0.12 cups/meal, p=0.003) and vegetables (0.14 cups/meal, p=0.021). The majority (56%) of meat consumed was high fat.
Conclusions and implications for practice: Interventions designed to improve dietary intake of persons with serious mental illnesses are needed to improve health in this population at high risk for CVD.