Psychiatry Research EG

Background An understanding of the interplay between mental illnesses and metabolic disorders is crucial. At present, in Nigeria, studies on coexistence of these conditions are scarce. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the prevalence of obesity, metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in adults with major mental illnesses. Materials and methods One hundred and twenty four patients with schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder were recruited into this cross-sectional study. Blood pressure and anthropometric indices were obtained using standard methods. After an overnight fast, plasma glucose levels and lipid profile were determined. MS was diagnosed using the Joint Interim Statement. MHO was defined as overweight/ obesity with less than or equal to one MS risk factor, whereas metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) was defined as overweight/obesity with greater than or equal to two MS risk factors. Results More than half (55.6%) of the patients had normal body weight. The prevalence of overweight, obesity and MS was 25.8, 18.5 and 20.2%, respectively. Similarly, the prevalence of MHO and MUO among the overweight/obese patients was 21.8 and 78.2%, respectively. MUO was more prevalent in patients with schizophrenia compared with patients with depression and bipolar disorder. Low HDL and central obesity were the most common components of MS in the study participants. Conclusion It could be concluded from this study that metabolic disorders are not uncommon in Nigerians with major mental illness. Therefore, early identification of patients with metabolic alteration and introduction of preventive measures might forestall further cardiometabolic deterioration, especially in patients with schizophrenia. Keywords: mental illness, metabolic syndrome, metabolically healthy obesity, schizophrenia