Besides significant impairments in cognitive, emotional and social functioning, people with schizophrenia face numerous health challenges beyond their mental illness, including metabolic syndrome, obesity and cardiovascular disease that are partly due to the adverse effects of antipsychotic medications and a sedentary lifestyle.

Interest in nonpharmacological interventions has been increasing. Separate studies of physical exercise and nutrition education have shown benefits for managing the health outcomes of people with schizophrenia.

A study published July 26 in Archives of Psychiatric Nursing found significant improvements in healthy lifestyle behaviors and psychological well-being when both interventions were used together.

First author Sakine Firincik , Ph.D., an assistant pr

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