Body mass index, waist circumference and quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia.

Objective: The primary objective was to examine the differential relationship between waist circumference, body mass index, and self-reported quality of life in patients with schizophrenia.

Method: Individuals with DSM-IV schizophrenia (n=90) were interviewed to obtain sociodemographic data, complete a Quality of Life questionnaire (the MOS SF-12) and have measurements taken of height, weight (kg), and waist circumference (cm). Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the associations between adiposity measures (BMI, WC) and quality of life outcomes (PCS, MCS).

Results: Mental component score (MCS) was not significantly related to either of the weight related measures. After adjustment for gender and age, both BMI alone and WC alone were significant predictors of PCS. When both BMI and WC were included in the same regression model, only WC remained a significant predictor of PCS.

Conclusions: Quality of life in schizophrenic patients is related to measures of body weight. The relationship is strongest using waist circumference as the primary measure. This provides further support for routinely incorporating this measure within research and clinical assessments.