The majority of participants defined healthy eating as limiting certain things in one's diet (ex. sweets, sodas, fast food, and/or junk food) and consuming more of others (ex. fruits and vegetables) as well as the implementation of low-fat cooking methods. 

In conjunction, many participants focused on recommendations for common medical conditions among mentally ill individuals (ex. diabetes, obesity and hypertension).

Virtually all individuals included the consumption of fruits and vegetables but neglected the importance of portion size and caloric intake in their definitions of a healthy diet.

Understanding of a Healthy Diet

- Negative perceptions towards the construct of healthy eating
- Taste and satiation 
- The fear of changing familiar eating habits
- Perceived helplessness to overcome established habits
- Perception of food as comfort and fulfilling an emotional need
- Preference to focus on mental health instead of one's diet

Internal Barriers to Healthy Eating

- Limited financial resources 
- Reduced access to discount grocery stores
- Inconvenience of healthy food 
- A lack of social support for undertaking healthy eating behaviors 
- Side effects of psychiatric medications such as weight gain and metabolic abnormalities

External Barriers to Healthy Eating 

- Understanding of a healthy diet 
- Internal barriers to healthy eating
- External barriers to healthy eating

Saint Louis University

- Background
- Participants
- Measures Utilized
- Results & Conclusions
- What can be done?

Aspects of Healthy Eating & Mental Illness Study

Barre, L. K., Ferron, J. C., Davis, K. E., & Whitley, R. (2011). Healthy eating in persons with serious mental illnesses: Understanding and barriers. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 34(4), 304–310. https://doi.org/10.2975/34.4.2011.304.310

Healthy Eating in Persons with Serious Mental Illness

Individuals with serious mental illness die 25 years earlier than the general population often from cardiovascular disease caused by factors like:
- Side effects from 2nd generation antipsychotics 
- High rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, & dyslipidemia
- Poor nutrition habits 
- Lack of exercise 
- Smoking 

Those suffering from severe mental illness typically do not consume a healthy diet due to barriers such as:
- Increased appetite from psychiatric medications
- Convenience of unhealthy foods 
- Difficulties eating a healthy diet 

Researchers suggest that by changing individuals' dietary behaviors, they will be able to live longer and healthier lives. 

Background of Nutrition & Mental Illness Study 

The study itself was prospective and qualitative in nature. The researchers utilized semi-structured interviews which asked open-ended questions about participant's health habits and understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Then targeting questions were asked about: 
- Eating habits
- Conception of a healthy diet 
- Changing their eating behaviors
- Barriers to healthy eating 

Measures Utilized: Healthy Eating & Mental Illness 

Healthy Eating Study: Results & Conclusions


- 31 volunteer participants
- 18+ years old
- 51.6% women 
- 54.8% Caucasian; 35.5% African American
- Documented diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and/or major depression


Participants in Healthy Eating Study

For those not yet ready to make changes, researchers suggest:
- Increasing personal risk perception
- Weighing the pros and cons of healthy eating 
- Increasing self-efficacy for dietary change 

For those ready to make changes, researchers suggest:
- Individualized education efforts including time and cost-effective planning and preparation of meals 
- Seeking nutrition advice from a dietitian 
- Getting social support from friends & family 

External Aid:
- Community mental health centers/group homes can provide healthy food, demonstrate healthy eating, and provide social support
- Clinical practitioners should empower clients to eat healthy, inquire about eating in response to emotions, and likewise take into account the impact of antipsychotic medication side effects on patients' eating behaviors

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