There is growing evidence and a relatively new subspeciality in psychiatry which links metabolic syndromes and psychiatric conditions. A new note from the Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) examines the overlap of mental health issues and metabolic dysfunction and suggests that prevention and treatment of either metabolic syndromes or mental illnesses may help reduce the risk of developing the other.

“Dual purpose treatments can enable insurers to provide more targeted and effective solutions, potentially reducing long-term costs associated with chronic comorbidities,” they write.

Related risk factors 

Entitled Weight Off Your Mind: The metabolic mental health connection, the note examines the growing evidence linking metabolic syndrome and its related risk factors including diabetes, and obesity, with psychiatric illness.

“Integrating mental health support and lifestyle intervention programs into insurance plans can enhance patient adherence to treatment protocols, improve overall health outcomes and reduce the incidence of complications that can lead to high claims,” they write. “Growing evidence suggests metabolic syndrome and psychiatric illnesses are closely linked.” 

The report looks at the incidence of depression, anxiety and stress-related disorder among those who are obese. More, they say those with chronic diabetic complications are up to three times more likely to have a mental health condition, as well. “Those with diabetes and a mental health disorder were up to 2.5 times more likely to experience sustained diabetic complications,” they observe.

Ketogenic diets 

The report also looks at ketogenic diets and their influence in the treatment of severe mental illnesses and at pharmaceutical drugs currently in the spotlight for diabetes and obesity.

“For insurers, understanding the intricate relationship between metabolic syndrome and psychiatric illnesses is crucial for the of development comprehensive insurance products that cater to the evolving needs of consumers,” they write. “Insights into the potential for dual-purpose treatments that address both metabolic and mental health issues can enable insurers to provide more targeted and effective solutions, potentially reducing long-term costs associated with chronic comorbidities.”