By the end of the first year of the six-month Solutions for Wellness program, 7,188 individuals with mental illness had voluntarily enrolled. Ninety percent of these participants had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 25 at the start of the program. Individualized weight management plans were created for each participant, and participants received newsletters and progress updates throughout the duration of the program. Weight and BMI were self-reported at baseline and at each follow-up survey. Changes in behavior, such as diet, exercise and personal attitudes were assessed with follow-up surveys.

At enrollment, 65 percent of participants reported that improving health and well-being was their overall goal. After six months, 90 percent of participants reported positive changes in their diet, 85 percent improved their exercise regime, 94 percent enhanced their stress management techniques, and 93 percent made changes to their sleep habits. Overall, participants in the program reported an average reduction in BMI of nearly one point (-0.93 kg/m2). A BMI reduction of one point (or 1 kg/m2) equates to a weight loss of about six or seven pounds, depending on the height of the individual. In addition, 97 percent of participants reported having gained confidence in the ability to maintain lifestyle changes.

"We've understood for many years that those with a serious mental illness tend to struggle with maintaining a healthy lifestyle," said William Glazer, M.D., associate clinical professor of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. "They are at greater-than- average risk of weight gain and obesity due to the combination of inactive, unhealthy lifestyles and treatment with various psychotropic medications, which can be associated with weight gain. This sometimes results in patients stopping their medications without telling their clinicians or switching to less effective medications. This program shows that a more complete wellness treatment approach can help patients manage their weight, comply with therapy, and feel better about themselves."