MHRA-Certified PsyMetRiC Web Application Launches to Predict Premature Cardiometabolic Risks in Young Patients with Psychosis

University of Birmingham's PsyMetRiC app uses AI to predict diabetes and obesity risks in young people with psychosis, aiming to extend life expectancy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 13, 2026, 5:05 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from University of Birmingham

Targeting the Hidden Physical Toll of Mental Illness

The profound disparity in life expectancy for individuals with psychotic disorders is largely driven by preventable physical health conditions rather than the mental illness itself. On average, people with severe mental illness die 15 years earlier than the general population due to heightened risks of heart disease and diabetes. Dr. Benjamin Perry, lead researcher from the University of Birmingham, explains that the onset of psychosis typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, a period when lifestyle changes and the side effects of antipsychotic medications can rapidly accelerate weight gain. Factors such as increased sedentary behavior and metabolic changes are often detectable years before they would appear in the general population, yet these young patients frequently fall under the radar of traditional GP risk tools.

A Validated Algorithm Built on Decades of Health Data

The scientific foundation of the PsyMetRiC tool, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, relies on an extensive analysis of anonymized health records spanning 20 years. By tracking the medical trajectories of over 25,000 young people in the UK, researchers developed algorithms capable of predicting significant weight gain within 12 months, metabolic syndrome within six years, and type 2 diabetes within a ten-year window. This refined model, known as PsyMetRiC2, improves upon earlier versions by incorporating larger population-level datasets and undergoing rigorous testing in international settings, including Finland, Hong Kong, and Australia, to ensure its predictive power remains consistent across diverse demographics.

Bridging the Gap Between Prediction and Clinical Action

Unlike older diagnostic calculators designed for older adults, PsyMetRiC is specifically tailored for the unique physiological and social challenges faced by younger psychiatric patients. The tool is certified by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a Class 1 Medical Device, making it one of the first psychiatric prediction tools authorized for real-world clinical use. Its primary function is to serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussion between healthcare providers and patients. By presenting data in accessible formats—such as "heart age" scores—the app encourages shared decision-making regarding preventative interv...