Objective: This study was a pilot evaluation of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) implemented by community mental health center (CMHC) clinicians to reduce weight for individuals with serious mental illnesses.
Methods: Participants (N=60) received the 16-week DPP core curriculum at one of six CMHCs. A comparison group (N=77) received usual care at one of five other CMHCs.
Results: Compared with participants in usual care, DPP participants lost significantly more weight and were nearly three times more likely to lose at least 5% of body weight. Participants and staff found the program acceptable and feasible to implement. They also suggested incorporating exercise and cooking components, providing information about diabetes and the impact of medications on weight, simplifying intake and activity monitoring, providing at least twice monthly postcore sessions, monitoring lab values, and reinforcing group involvement between sessions.
Conclusions: The evaluation demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of engaging CMHC clinicians in implementing the DPP for adults with serious mental illnesses.