The authors of this editorial discuss whether or not the value of exercise is being underestimated for wellness. One response to these alarming findings has been to develop or adapt illness self-management programs specifically targeting frequently co-occurring physical disorders in this population, such as diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Preliminary evidence from controlled studies suggests promise for these approaches. Consistent across the different studies of medical comorbidity has been the finding that cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in persons with a serious mental illness. This has underscored the importance of routine screening for cardiovascular risk factors in this population. It has also led to an increased focus on addressing common modifiable risk factors, with particular attention to smoking cessation and weight loss programs to address obesity. Increasing activity level through regular exercise is a common ingredient of lifestyle interventions targeting weight loss. However, the benefits of exercise may not be limited to its role in weight loss programs. Furthermore, the benefits of exercise alone for weight loss may be limited, suggesting the need to consider exercise within the broader context of quality of life improvement.
(c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).