ABSTRACT
A major concern about the increase of metabolic disorders rates associated with medication use to treat severe mental illnesses (SMI) exit. In fact, several studies suggested an association of body fat distribution with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc. On the other hand, psychotropic medications have come to play an increasingly central role in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and many patients consuming psychotropic drugs as medication tend to become obese and they are sensitive to the diseases mentioned above. In addition, it has been associated that a healthy and equilibrated food intake could help to prevent diseases. In this review we will address the effects of psychotropic medication intake and how this relates to obesity, risk of cardiovascular diseases of patients who suffer from severe mental illnesses. It will also evaluate the potential use of healthy diets and exercise to improve the well being of the patient