To our knowledge, this is the first review that has attempted to
analyse the key features that may influence the dietary habits of
patients with schizophrenia. Past reviews (Peet, 2004; Strassnig
et al., 2005a) have taken in account fewer studies and focussed
more on the metabolic abnormalities associated with unhealthy
lifestyle of these patients. Our findings confirm those of past
reviews.We have found that people with schizophrenia have a poor diet, mainly characterized by a high intake of saturated fat and
a low consumption of fibre and fruit. Such diet is likely to increase
the risk of developing metabolic abnormalities, and may worsen
metabolic abnormalities induced by other factors (e.g. antipsychotic
treatment, hypothalamicepituitaryeadrenal axis hyperactivity,
low physical activity, smoking, and alcohol and substances
abuse). The diet and factors underlying poor dietary patterns may
represent an important therapeutic target to control metabolic
abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia.