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. 

State University of New York at Buffalo

People with schizophrenia often exhibit negative health behaviors that adversely affect their health, lifespan, and the people around them. These behaviors include physical inactivity, poor diet and nutrition, substance use (such as cigarettes and coffee), alcohol and street drug abuse, and suicide.

Negative Health Behaviors among People with Schizophrenia

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

Suicide is the largest single contributor to the excess mortality rate among individuals with schizophrenia, accounting for approximately 10% to 13% of premature deaths. The primary causes and pathways of suicide in this population can be classified into depression caused by schizophrenia, accidental suicide during acute psychosis, and an inadequate healthcare care system.

Causes of Suicide among People with Schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia have levels of exercise-related knowledge and attitudes similar to those of the general population. However, their lower perceived ability to exercise (exercise self-efficacy) and their greater perceived exercise barriers limit their exercise behavior, contributing to physical inactivity.

Physical Inactivity as a Negative Health Behavior in People with Schizophrenia

Cigarette smoking is substantially more prevalent among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders than among the general adult population. Estimates in the supplied context range from 60% to 90%, compared with 15% to 24% in the general adult population, although prevalence varies by population and setting.

Elevated Cigarette Smoking Prevalence among People with Schizophrenia

Alcohol and street drug abuse among people with schizophrenia can range from occasional episodes to persistent abuse. Many motivations and general consequences overlap with those experienced in the general population, while co-occurring schizophrenia creates additional clinical concerns and a need for substance-use screening.

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