Weight changes during clozapine treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and magnitude of weight changes pre- and post-clozapine and to explore the ability of demographic and clinical factors to predict weight gain at 12 months post-clozapine.


METHODS
Weight changes in a sample of 51 patients were assessed at 3 months pre-clozapine, at baseline, and at 3 and 12 months post-clozapine. In addition, demographic data and information concerning changes in appetite and activity level at 3 months was gathered and used to predict weight gain at 12 months.


RESULTS
Seventy percent of patients gained an average of 7.5 kg (10.6% increase in baseline body weight) over the 12-month period. Although post-clozapine weight gain for the total group was significant at 12 months, weight gain for the female subsample (n = 16) did not reach significance at either the 3 or 12 month assessments. The only factors associated with marked weight gain (> 15% increase) at 12 months were increased food intake early in treatment and having gained weight at 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Clozapine treatment was found to be associated with significant weight gain in patients prescribed clozapine, especially male patients. Considering the long-term health risks associated with excess weight gain, health professionals can play an important role in educating clients about the potential for weight gain with clozapine treatment.
Briffa
D
D
Queensland Centre for Schizophrenia Research, Wolston Park Hospital, Wacol, Australia.
Meehan
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000188:drug therapy; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine