Publications by authors named "Chandresh Shah"
Article Synopsis
- Veterans with mental illnesses often face shorter life spans and poorer physical health due to factors like poor nutrition, obesity, and tobacco use.
- Current treatment methods concentrate mainly on medication and therapy but may not address broader lifestyle issues affecting Veterans' well-being.
- Pilot studies suggest that combining therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) like exercise and nutrition could improve Veterans' quality of life, reduce psychiatric symptoms, and promote weight loss.
J Gen Intern Med
April 2017
Article Synopsis
- The study examined the impact of behavioral weight management interventions on veterans with mental illness who were overweight and taking antipsychotic medications.
- Participants were divided into two groups: one received an intensive "Lifestyle Balance" program with classes and personal counseling, while the other group received standard "Usual Care" focused on weight monitoring.
- Results showed that both groups lost weight, but those in the "Lifestyle Balance" group had significantly greater reductions in waist circumference, body fat percentage, and BMI compared to the "Usual Care" group.
Article Synopsis
- Antipsychotic medications can cause weight gain and metabolic issues in individuals with severe mental illness, prompting a study to evaluate a behavioral weight management program.
- Only five out of a larger group were successful in using meal replacement shakes as part of the program to achieve weight loss and improve metabolic health.
- Case studies highlighted that personal responsibility, motivation, and routine incorporation of meal replacements were crucial for these patients' success.
