The physical health of people with severe mental disorders is commonly overlooked, experts say. People with severe mental illness die up to 20 years earlier than those without — a gap researchers say is only getting worse. People living with mental illness face considerable physical health challenges Poor mental health increases risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity Lifestyle risk factors, psychiatric medications, and lack of physical healthcare are major issues A new global report led by Australian researchers has revealed how a barrage of physical health challenges experienced by people with mental illness is contributing to years of lost life. While it’s been recognised for some time that people with severe mental disorders are more likely to die earlier, the researchers found those with mental illness were also more likely to be living with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. "We see elevated rates of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases […]