Pharmacological Interventions for the Prevention of Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain in People With Schizophrenia: A Cochrane Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Patients with schizophrenia are burdened by higher rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease and reduced life expectancy than the general population. In addition to illness, genetic and lifestyle factors, the associated weight gain and metabolic adverse effects of antipsychotic (AP) medications are known to exacerbate and accelerate these cardiometabolic problems significantly. Given the detrimental consequences of weight gain and other metabolic disturbances, there is an urgent need for safe and effective strategies to manage these issues as early on as possible. This review summarizes the literature of adjunctive pharmacological interventions aimed at preventing AP-induced weight gain.

Automated summary

Patients with schizophrenia suffer from obesity, cardiovascular disease, and reduced life expectancy. The weight gain and metabolic adverse effects caused by antipsychotic medications exacerbate and accelerate these problems. Therefore, it is essential to develop safe and effective strategies for managing these issues as early as possible.