Weight Gain Study
Reversal of antipsychotic-associated weight
gain.
Given growing concern about weight gain
associated with treatment with antipsychotic agents, we performed a retrospective
chart review of patients who reversed weight gain associated with anti-psychotic
treatment to determine the prevalence of reversal and both the course
and methods used.
Weight Study - Method
Prevalence of weight gain reversal was determined by surveying clinicians.
Of 53 patients who gained >/= 20 lb (9 kg) during anti-psychotic treatment,
an initial sample of 12 patients (23 percent) who subsequently lost >/=
10 lb (5 kg) was identified. These 12 patients were combined with additional
patients, identified by the authors, who met the same criteria for reversal
of anti-psychotic -associated weight gain to form a total sample of 35
patients. Course and methods of weight loss were determined by reviewing
these patients' charts. Information about interventions and both anti-psychotic
and other medications was collected.
Weight Study - Results
At the point of maximum weight gain, the total sample of 35 patients had
gained a mean of 29.36 kg (64.73 lb) over a mean of 33 months. At the
point of greatest weight loss (56 months), these patients were a mean
of 10.86 kg (23.94 lb) over their baseline weight. The most recent weight
for patients (63 months) indicated they were 14.81 kg (32.65 lb) over
baseline. The most frequent weight loss interventions were regular dietician
visits (42.9 percent [N = 15]), self-directed diet (28.6 percent [N =
10]), and weight loss as a treatment goal (25.7 percent [N = 9]). The
least frequent interventions were no intervention (5.7 percent [N = 2]),
psychiatrist addressing weight loss (5.7 percent [N = 2]), and surgery
(2.9 percent [N = 1]). No significant change in medications prescribed
was found.
Weight Study - Conclusion
Some patients who gain weight while taking anti-psychotic medications
are able to stop gaining and lose weight over time, largely through behavioral
interventions. While patients' weight fluctuated, this group sustained
a loss of approximately half their initial gain. Dietary interventions
appear promising and should be explored further to prevent and reverse
weight gain.
Source: Mental Health Center of Greater
Manchester, Manchester, N.H. (Messrs. O'Keefe and Liss and Dr. Noordsy),
and the Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, N.H.
(Dr. Noordsy). 2003
Weight Loss Methods
The science of weight loss and obesity management is constantly evolving,
along with research into weight loss drugs, supplements and gastric bypass
surgery. At present, however, a balanced diet combined with regular exercise
remains the favored weight management strategy of most weight loss experts. Return to Weight Loss Data
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