Body Weight Perception and Methods of Weight Reduction Used by Patients with First-Episode Psychotic Disorders in Hong Kong (Original Article) (Clinical Report‪)‬

Introduction Obesity is highly prevalent among patients with schizophrenia even in the early stage. One study found that more young individuals with psychotic disorders were obese (56%) compared with subjects in the general population (33%). (1) Lifestyle, particularly unhealthy eating habits, (2) illness-related factors (lack of motivation and poverty), and the use of antipsychotics (3) all contribute to the problem. It is important to note that not all overweight individuals are dissatisfied with their weight. On the other hand, not all normal-weight individuals are satisfied with theirs. The determining factor lies on how they perceive their own weight. Weight control behaviours are motivated by perceived weight rather than actual body mass index (BMI). (4) This is also true for patients with schizophrenia. (5) In a group of young adults with psychotic disorders in Hong Kong, the wish to do something about their weight is closely correlated with how it is perceived. (6) The discrepancy between the actual and perceived weight status can lead to harmful unnecessary weight reduction, particularly in persons who perceive being overweight though actually they are not.