The experience of body image concerns in patients with persecutory delusions: 'People don't want to sit next to me'.

Body image concerns may be of particular relevance in patients with persecutory delusions due to weight gain, inactivity, and medication side effects. Body image concerns include weight gain and broader aspects of appearance. Negative body image contributes to feelings of vulnerability, potentially worsening paranoid fears. It may be helpful for practitioners to explore the psychological impact of weight gain and body image concerns in patients with psychosis.