Gram Research analysis of a 2026 randomized trial with 401 adults who have severe mental illness found that a structured lifestyle program increased the odds of doing more weekly physical activity by 43% after one year, compared with a less structured education program. The researchers concluded the program supports healthier lifestyles over the long term.
People with severe mental illness face higher risks of early death, partly because of unhealthy eating, low physical activity, and alcohol use. A new trial tested whether a structured lifestyle program could help. According to research reviewed by Gram, the study followed 401 participants at six Italian universities for one year. Some were randomly assigned to the LIFESTYLE program, which uses structured education and goal setting, and others joined a less structured education group. At one year, people in the LIFESTYLE program had higher odds of getting more physical activity each week. The researchers also reported that the program supported healthier habits overall, with benefits lasting through the one-year follow-up. The findings suggest that structured lifestyle programs could be a useful addition to routine mental healthcare, though more research is needed to confirm these results across different settings.
Key Statistics
A 2026 randomized controlled trial of 401 adults with severe mental illness found that a structured lifestyle program increased the odds of higher weekly physical activity by 43% at one year (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.89).
The 2026 trial, conducted across six Italian universities, reported that the LIFESTYLE program’s healthy-habit benefits were still present at one-year follow-up compared with a less structured psychoeducational program.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Can a structured lifestyle program help people with severe mental illness eat better, move more, and drink less alcohol, and do those changes last?
- Who participated: 401 adults diagnosed with severe mental illness, recruited through six Italian universities. Participants were randomly placed into either the LIFESTYLE program or a less structured education group.
- Key finding: After one year, people in the LIFESTYLE program had 43% higher odds of getting more physical activity each week than those in the comparison group (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.89). The researchers reported healthier habits overall, with benefits still present at one year.
- What it means for you: If you or someone you support has severe mental illness, structured lifestyle education may help build healthier habits. Talk with a doctor or mental health provider before making big changes, especially around exercise or alcohol.
The Research Details
This was a randomized controlled trial, which is one of the most reliable ways to test whether a program actually works. Researchers randomly assigned participants to one of two groups. The first group took part in the LIFESTYLE program, which uses structured sessions to teach healthy eating, physical activity, and cutting back on alcohol. The second group received a less structured education program, serving as a comparison.
Because assignment was random, the two groups should have been similar at the start, so differences found later are more likely to come from the program itself. The trial ran across six Italian universities, which helped it reach a broad group of participants. Researchers measured habits at the start and again at one year.
To analyze the results, the team used a statistical method called generalized estimating equations. This approach accounts for the fact that the same people were measured more than once over time.
A randomized design helps separate the effects of the program from other factors, like motivation or lifestyle differences that might exist between people who choose to join a program and those who do not. Measuring habits over a full year also shows whether changes last, not just whether they happen right away. For people with severe mental illness, who often face higher risks of early death, knowing whether a program works in a rigorous test is especially useful.
This trial has several strengths. It used random assignment, enrolled a fairly large group of 401 people, and was conducted at six sites. It was also registered with Italy’s Ministry of University and Research (registration number 2015C7374S), which helps show the study plan was set before results were collected. The one-year follow-up adds value because it shows whether benefits persisted.
Readers should keep in mind that this is one trial, conducted in Italy. The published abstract also contains some incomplete reporting of numbers for several outcomes, so the full paper should be checked for exact details. Results from a single trial are a strong starting point but usually need to be confirmed by other studies.
What the Results Show
The main result was about physical activity. At one year, people in the LIFESTYLE program had higher odds of reaching a higher total weekly activity level, measured in units called metabolic equivalents of task, or METs. These units estimate how much energy an activity uses. The odds ratio was 1.43, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.08 to 1.89. In plain terms, the program group was about 43% more likely to be in a higher activity category than the comparison group, and the range of likely true effects was fairly wide but stayed above no effect.
The program was also designed to improve eating habits and reduce alcohol use. The researchers concluded that the intervention promoted healthier lifestyles overall. The abstract available for this summary does not show every number for these outcomes, so it is not possible to report exact diet or alcohol results here.
The researchers described the benefits as sustained at one year. This suggests that the changes did not disappear soon after the program ended its structured sessions, although longer follow-up would be needed to know how durable the changes are over many years.
The study also looked at diet quality and alcohol use. The researchers reported improvements in these areas for the LIFESTYLE group compared with the comparison group. Changes in alcohol use matter because heavy drinking can worsen both mental and physical health, and it can interact with many common medications.
Because the abstract does not fully list each secondary result, readers should look at the full paper for exact figures. Still, the overall pattern points in the same direction: structured support may help with several health habits at once rather than just one.
Research has consistently found that people with severe mental illness tend to have less healthy diets, lower physical activity, and higher rates of smoking and alcohol use than the general population. Many experts have argued that lifestyle support should be a routine part of mental healthcare, but fewer large, rigorous trials have tested specific structured programs for this group.
This trial adds to that body of work by using a randomized design, a sizable sample, and a one-year follow-up. Its findings fit with the broader idea that structured education and goal-setting can help people change habits, although results can differ depending on the program, the population, and how outcomes are measured.
The main limitations are common to many behavior-change studies. Participants and program staff could not be fully hidden from which program was being delivered, which can influence how people report their habits. Many lifestyle measures also rely on self-reporting, which can be affected by memory or the desire to give socially acceptable answers.
The trial took place in Italy, so results may not apply equally to other countries, health systems, or types of mental healthcare. The study followed people for one year, which is useful but does not show whether benefits last for many years. The abstract also does not present every outcome in full detail, so some findings can only be understood in general terms until the full paper is reviewed.
The Bottom Line
Based on this randomized trial, structured lifestyle programs appear to be a helpful tool for people with severe mental illness who want to be more physically active and make other healthy changes. Confidence is moderate, since this is a strong trial but a single study that still needs to be repeated and confirmed by other research teams. Clinicians and program planners may consider adding structured lifestyle education to routine care, while monitoring individual progress.
This research is most relevant to people living with severe mental illness, their families, and the mental health professionals who support them. Healthcare teams, peer support workers, and program designers may find it useful when planning wellness services.
People without severe mental illness can still benefit from general healthy habits, but these specific findings were measured in a particular group. Anyone with medical conditions, medications that interact with diet or exercise, or a history of alcohol problems should check with a clinician before starting a new routine.
In this trial, changes were measured at one year, so that is the timeframe the research directly supports. Many people begin to notice small improvements in energy, routine, or mood within a few weeks of building new habits. Meaningful, lasting changes in activity and alcohol use often take several months of steady effort, and support from a program or care team can make a difference over that period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a structured lifestyle program help people with severe mental illness get more exercise?
A 2026 randomized trial of 401 adults with severe mental illness found that the LIFESTYLE program increased the odds of higher weekly physical activity by 43% after one year. The comparison group received a less structured education program.
What is the LIFESTYLE program for people with severe mental illness?
The LIFESTYLE program is a structured psychoeducational program designed to improve eating habits, physical activity, and alcohol use. It was tested in six Italian universities in a randomized trial with 401 participants, with results measured at one year.
Do lifestyle changes for people with mental illness last over time?
A one-year randomized trial reported that the benefits of the LIFESTYLE program were sustained at follow-up. Researchers concluded it promotes healthier lifestyles, though longer studies are needed to confirm how long these changes last for most people.
Why is physical activity important for people with severe mental illness?
People with severe mental illness often have higher rates of physical inactivity, unhealthy eating, and alcohol misuse, which contribute to early death. Structured lifestyle programs are being studied as one way to address these risks alongside standard mental healthcare.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly active minutes, such as walking, cycling, or home exercise, and aim to log at least 150 minutes per week as a starting goal. Also track the number of alcohol-free days each week, and note one healthy meal or snack per day to build a simple picture of eating habits.
- Choose one small, specific activity to add each week, such as a 10-minute walk after breakfast. Pair it with a reminder in the app and a simple check-in question, like whether the walk happened. Once that feels routine, add a second goal, such as one alcohol-free day or one extra serving of vegetables.
- Review progress weekly in the app and monthly with a trusted clinician or support person. Look for trends over several months rather than daily ups and downs. Set reminders to reassess goals every three months, and adjust them based on energy, mood, and comfort. If progress stalls, consider asking a healthcare provider about structured programs or additional support.
This article summarizes a single randomized trial for general information only and is not medical advice. People with severe mental illness should discuss any changes to diet, exercise, or alcohol use with their doctor or mental health team, especially if they take medications. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should contact a healthcare provider or local emergency services right away.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.