Effects of antipsychotics on fat deposition and changes in leptin and insulin levels - Magnetic resonance imaging study of previously untreated people with schizophrenia

Background Weight gain is a common consequence of antipsychotic drug treatment and can lead to further morbidity. Aims To assess the effects of antipsychotic drug therapy on abdominal fat deposition, on insulin and leptin secretion, and on circulating glucose and lipids. Method Abdominal body fat was determined by magnetic resonance imaging in a group of previously untreated patients with schizophrenia, before and after 10 weeks' antipsychotic drug treatment. Body mass and blood concentrations of glucose, insulin, leptin and lipids were also measured. Results Significant increases in both subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat were identified after antipsychotic drug treatment. A three-fold increase in leptin secretion as well as significant increases in levels of circulating lipids and non-fasting glucose were also identified. Conclusions Patients first receiving antipsychotic drugs experience substantial deposition of both subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat, reflecting a loss of the normal inhibitory control of leptin on body mass. Along with fat deposition, the increase in levels of fasting lipids and in non-fasting glucose may provide early signs of drug-induced progression towards the metabolic syndrome. Declaration of interest None. Funding detailed in Acknowledgements.