Nurse-led lifestyle intervention in a cohort of schizophrenia patients treated with clozapine

Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia are characterized by early mortality compared to the general population. The main cause of this premature death reflects medical complications linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS). The use of antipsychotics such as clozapine is associated with weight gain and metabolic disturbances in certain predisposed individuals. Non-pharmacological interventions for weight control have become a key element for secondary prevention in the health of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Here, we aim to evaluate the physical health effects of a nurse-led non-pharmacological intervention program in patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia treated with clozapine. Thirty-one outpatients from the outpatient clinical facility of Hospital Clinic in Barcelona, Spain diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders receiving clozapine treatment were enrolled in a prospective interventional study, comprising an 8-week group program of therapeutic education in a healthy lifestyle. MetS factors, physical activity, diet, and lifestyle were evaluated at baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), and 3 months after the program. Weight, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and diet patterns displayed significant differences post-intervention and after 3 months, while only waist, hip perimeter, and lifestyle improved post-intervention. Our results suggest the effectiveness of the lifestyle intervention in patients under clozapine treatment despite its long-time differential effect. Strategies to prevent weight gain and metabolic decline will help prevent premature cardiometabolic disease in this vulnerable population.