Occupational therapy intervention addressing weight gain and obesity in people with severe mental illness: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness have higher rates of obesity than the general population due to a range of factors, including: medication side effects, poor nutrition and reduced physical activity. Obesity is associated with increased mortality and reduced quality of life. Evidence suggests that lifestyle interventions can be effective in addressing this issue. While such interventions would appear to fit within the scope of practice of occupational therapy, there is no publication synthesising the existing literature regarding occupational therapy interventions addressing lifestyle factors associated with obesity. Aim: To determine what is known from the existing literature about occupational therapy interventions addressing weight gain and obesity in adults diagnosed with severe mental illness. Methods: A scoping review was conducted. Searches were performed in online databases, occupational therapy journals and grey literature databases. Thematic analysis occurred across all articles included in the review. Results: A total of 14 articles were included in the review. Analysis revealed a central theme of supporting occupational performance and participation in health promoting occupations. This central theme consisted of four categories; facilitating client-centred practice, addressing personal performance issues, addressing environmental barriers and providing the 'just right' challenge. Conclusion/Significance: These findings suggest occupational therapists are providing occupation focused interventions that are aligned with current clinical guidelines. However, more research is required to strengthen evidence-based occupational therapy practice in this important area.KEY WORDS obesity, occupational therapy, severe mental illness, weight gain.

Working with clients of higher weight in Australia: Findings from a national survey exploring occupational therapy practice

“…These different approaches may also reflect the participants' primary caseload. For instance, within a mental health setting, occupational therapists frequently contribute to lifestyle interventions to address weight gain and obesity (Conn et al, 2019; Haracz et al, 2013; Mahony et al, 2012). However, occupational therapists feel unprepared by their entry‐level education to provide these interventions (Mahony et al, 2012) and experience a tension between providing occupation‐focused intervention, such as shopping, meal planning, and meal preparation, and providing specific dietary or nutrition advice (Conn et al, 2019).…”

“…Participants worked in a variety of settings. However, only a small number worked in mental health or rural settings, despite these populations being more likely to be of higher weight than the general population (AIHW, 2017; Conn et al, 2019). Not all Australian states and territories were represented.…”

Which models can be used as a clinical education model in occupational therapy? Introduction of the models: A scoping review study

“…This study was conducted based on limited research. A scoping review was performed through the methodology proposed by Arksey and O'Malley (8,9). This review was done in 5 stages:…”

Occupational therapy interventions for adults with severe mental illness: a scoping review

“…Arbesman and Logsdon 13 carried out a systematic review in which they described a greater involvement in education and employment of people with SMI who were intervened with OT focused on social participation. Similarly, Conn et al 14 showed OT to be a key intervention for weight loss in people with SMI, improving their motivation and helping them to acquire healthy lifestyles.…”