Lifestyles of Patients with Functional Psychosis Compared to Those of a Sample of the Regional General Population: Findings from a Study in a Community Mental Health Service of the Veneto Region, Italy.

Unhealthy lifestyles contribute, with other risk factors, to the high prevalence of mortality and physical comorbidity among mental patients compared to the general population. We collected data on the lifestyles of 193 subjects with psychosis in contact with a Community Mental Health Service in north-eastern Italy and compared them with a representative sample (total: 3219 subjects) of the general population of the same region. Diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption were worse in mental patients.

[Improving dietary habits in the effective prevention of excess weight and obesity].

The new research survey "Okkio alla salute", conducted in children in the 3rd year of elementary school, has confermed the worrisome phenomenon of the high number of obese and overweight children. Therefore, it is necessary, also in light of the few available resources, to fight back against this phenomenon that has been demonstrated to be a cause of disabling illnesses in adults. There must therefore be collaboration between Departments of Prevention and Hygiene and Nutrition services (SIAN) to build valid and efficient pathways.