Weight Loss Programs Tailored To Veterans With SMI Could Reduce Obesity Rates Among This Population

For veterans with serious mental illness (SMI) experiencing a higher prevalence of obesity than the general veteran population, a weight loss program tailored to this population demonstrated the potential to support weight loss, according to the results of a recent study.

Researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial within the Pittsburgh Veteran Affairs health care system of the CoachToFit (CTF) program. The trial included weekly calls from a Veteran Health Administration peer specialist; a Bluetooth-enabled scale and fitness tracker; and a smartphone application that provides health education and tracks steps, goals, and weight.

Veterans with body mass index (BMI) of . . .