164. Joseph Davies: food and obesity in psychiatric and forensic populations.

Dr Joe Davies, Chartered Psychologist, and lecturer in Applied Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Joe’s research primarily explores the causes and consequences of obesity within secure psychiatric inpatient services. Following his PhD, Joe worked for the National Collaborative Commissioning Unit of NHS Wales on Welsh Government commissioned projects aimed at improving care for secure inpatients, subsequently publishing the national review of secure inpatient services: Making Days Count. (See main points of the conversation below)

Weight Gain is Not Associated with Antipsychotic Medication, Sociodemographic Factors, or Diagnosis in a Welsh Secure Mental Health Unit (tandfonline.com)

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6011-8591

 

Main points from conversation,

- The conversation is about the issue of weight gain and obesity in forensic health and prison settings. - We discuss the lack of data on whether going to prison or hospital leads to weight gain or weight loss. - The importance of interviewing patients to understand their experiences and perspectives is emphasized. - We mention the potential link between overeating and trauma as a way of protecting oneself. - Attentional bias, where individuals pay more attention to salient stimuli, is discussed as a potential factor in weight gain. - The lack of integrated physical health care in forensic settings is highlighted. - The need for better nutrition and healthier behavior in prisons is mentioned. - The importance of patient involvement in shaping policy and improving care is emphasized. - The complex interaction of various factors contributing to weight gain is acknowledged. - The lack of input from nutritionists in forensic settings is mentioned. - We highlight the need for more research and awareness to bring about lasting change in addressing weight gain and obesity in forensic health and prison settings.