The prevalence of obesity among people with disabilities is significantly higher than in the general population. Individuals who have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, for example, have a significantly higher rate of obesity compared to the general population, which some experts believe is related to the types of medications they are taking along with poor lifestyle choices. The health risks associated with obesity among people with mental illness lead to higher rates of other health problems such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes, as well as decreased adherence to medication. Thus, it is extremely important for researchers to find innovative ways to reduce obesity among people with mental illness to avoid the deleterious effects of excess weight, which, when added to the multiple effects of various psychotropic medications, creates significant health risks in this population. 

Read the entire column at http://www.ncpad.org/422/2247/2006-11~Issue~~~Obesity~Is~a~Major~Secondary~Condition~
Among~People~with~Mental~Illness.