individuals with a mental illness have poor diet, evidencing a high consumption of fatty foods, salt and sugar. Population tends to be eight times more likely to be obese than the general population. 
- individuals with schizophrenia attributed to lack of skills in shopping and cooking, rather than to attitudes and intentions. 

Relation of health behavior of poor diet and nutrition among individuals with Schizophrenia 

- People with schizophrenia have levels of knowledge and attitudes about exercise that are similar to general population. But their perception of their abilities to exercise and exercise barriers that limits their exercise behavior.

Relation of Health Behavior of Physical Inactivity of people with Schizophrenia 



- Cigarette smoking frequency observed in patients with schizophrenia is high as 88% (3x higher rate than general North American population, and higher than other psychiatric illness) 

- getting lower in recent years

Relation of Health Behavior of Smoking Cigarette among Individuals with Schizophrenia

Past 30 years, incidence of substance abuse by individuals with schizophrenia has increased significantly. The severity of the problem may vary from an occasional episode of abuse to continuous abuse. Many reasons and consequences of alcohol and street drug abuse for individuals with schizophrenia are identical to general population. 

Relation of Health Behavior of Alcohol and Street Drug Abuse among people with Schizophrenia

The largest single contributor to the excess death rate in individuals with schizophrenia is suicide. 10-13% of schizophrenics' premature death is due to suicide completion. 
- Depression caused by schizophrenia
- Accidental suicide 
- Inadequate care system

Relation of Suicide among People with Schizophrenia 

People with schizophrenia shows some negative health behaviors that affect their health and length of life, but also affect people around them. 
- Physical Inactivity
- Poor Diet and Nutrition 
- Substance use: Cigarettes, Coffee 
- Alcohol and Street Drugs
- Suicide


State University of New York at Buffalo

Mental illness is easily associated with behaviors that carry high health risks such as smoking, alcohol and other substance abuse, poor diet, and lack of exercise. 

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