Kentucky has a population of approximately 4.4 million people. Close to 4.7% of adults in Kentucky live with serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA). While rates of obesity are increasing globally, with 39% of adults overweight or obese, there appears to be a link between mental illness and obesity. According to the World Health Organization, patients with a history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a greater chance of becoming obese.Obesity also brings with it higher risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which can further affect psychological well-being.  Several studies have found that a disproportionate number of patients with mental illness are obese compared to the general population. Rowan Counties’ KSU SNAP-Ed program partnered with local Pathways, Inc. to assist their clients with improving their diet and decreasing health risk.  Pathways, Inc. is a community-based center for mental health care, offering prevention and treatment of alcohol and other addictions, and services for individuals with mental retardation or developmental disabilities.

Kentucky State University SNAP-Ed program in Rowan County provided “Healthy Choices for Everybody” classes to 12 clients of Pathways and their caregivers and staff.  Some of the clients lived in their own apartment doing their own cooking and shopping, and some lived in a residential facility ran by Pathways and only assisted in meal preparation.  All come to the facility Monday through Friday for classes, socialization, and counseling.  The SNAP-Ed classes introduced MyPlate Guidelines, budgeting, meal planning, food safety, and ways to decrease fats and sugars, as well as the importance of exercise.  Food demonstrations were given at each class on low fat, low sugar foods that are easy to prepare and budget friendly. 

KSU SNAP-Ed graduated 12 from this class. Participates were quiet and non-talkative during first classes, but by the end of 7 lessons all were more verbal, inviting us back and offering hugs at the end. Comments from participates ranged from, “I’ve tried foods I would never eat before to I’m exercising more because of the exercises you all showed us in class.”  One husband and wife stated they were using the apps on their phone for coupons and saving money at the grocery store.  Eating lower sugar foods as the husband has diabetes.”   Pathways staff encouraged the caregivers to use the low fat/low sugar recipes we provided, and they plan to continue to have the exercise program for the clients coming to their facility Monday through Friday. Offering the clients healthy meal options and increasing exercise will hopefully, improve their health both mentally and physically, as well as improve their quality of life.