Counteracting Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain

Weight gain is a potential adverse effect of almost all antipsychotic medications, but the increasing use of atypical antipsychotic medications has led to greater attention being paid to this adverse effect. In a 12-week trial that involved 128 adults (mean age, 26) with first episodes of schizophrenia, Chinese investigators examined whether lifestyle and medication interventions could combat weight gain.

All participants had gained more than 10% of their baseline weight (mean weight at baseline, 65 kg) after starting one of four antipsychotic medications: clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, or sulpiride (not approved in the U.S.). The patients were randomly assigned to structured lifestyle modification (dietary education every 4 weeks, part…