Obesity, the 6th major risk factor for the world's burden of disease, is associated with a range of metabolic disorders that start early in life. Young mentally ill people are particularly vulnerable to weight gain and metabolic changes. Patients with severe mental illness tend to have elevated rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Professor Eapen's study, for teen patients on antipsychotic medication in three adolescent inpatient units in the Sydney South West Area Health Service, is evaluating:

	a health promotion and preventive lifestyle intervention program
	the impact of the program on weight gain and metabolic changes
	overall improvement
	treatment adherance and
	quality of life

These young people are simultaneously affected by the emotional distress and social impairment linked to their mental illness. Early intervention can have a significant impact on long-term outcomes and recovery rates.

This study is the first to address the issue of 'antipsychotic medication-induced weight gain' and related effects in adolescents. Findings will provide valuable information about the effectiveness of this program. The early intervention strategies could become an integral part of the comprehensive management of these vulnerable patients.

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