Weight Gain and Obesity among Out-patients with Schizophrenia on Antipsychotic Medications in Uyo, South-South Nigeria

Background: Treatment of schizophrenia with antipsychotic medications is often associated with increased risks for weight gain, overweight and obesity but the associated risk factors in these patients are not fully known.

Objective: The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with schizophrenia on antipsychotic medications and the risk factors associated with it.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. One hundred and six subjects diagnosed with schizophrenia were recruited for the study. Demographic and anthropometric variables, fasting glucose profile and treatment variables were obtained and results analysed using SPSS version 20. Significance was set at P=.05.

Result: Study participants had a mean age of 34.67±8.8 years, 55.8% was male, and had a weight gain of 11.92±6.2 and mean BMI of 27.22±3.5. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 62.3% and 20.8% respectively. The risk of weight gain and obesity in the study population was increased for all class of antipsychotic medication (typical or atypical) and was more likely with increased duration of antipsychotic medication use. There was no association of weight gain with age, and duration of illness.

Conclusion: Treatment with antipsychotic medications was associated with a significantly increased risk for weight gain and obesity. There is the need for routine weight monitoring during treatment with antipsychotic medications for management interventions which may include switching of medications.