Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest single cause of death among people with severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Smoking rates are very high among people with severe mental disorders, considerably increasing their risk of CVD. In addition, many people with such disorders also suffer from obesity related to inactivity, unhealthy diets, excessive alcohol consumption and some psychiatric medications. Despite increasing recognition of the widespread impact that smoking and other unhealthy behaviours have on increased morbidity and mortality, treatment of physical health problems is often neglected among people with severe mental disorders.
Research evaluating interventions seeking to change multiple health behaviours indicates that these are feasible and effective. In this context, studies evaluating the effectiveness of a multi-component healthy lifestyle intervention for smoking and CVD risk behaviours among people with severe mental disorders are needed. A healthy lifestyles intervention is described.