David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Metformin Effective in Helping Minimize Weight Gain when Using Antipsychotic Medications
March 7, 2008
There is good news for people fighting weight gain due to antipsychotic medications. In the past year studies have come out that indicate that the common medication side effects of increased weight gain can be minimized or eliminated by good lifestyle and nutritional programs, as well as by use of the diabetes medication called "Metformin".
This week another study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry demonstrated that Metformin helps to halt the weight gain that is common when people are on the antipsychotic medications like Zyprexa.
In the study, 40 patients started the study and 37 completed treatments.
Additionally, in the study:
Related Reading:
New Program Demonstrates Weight gain Induced by Antipsychotic Medications can be Avoided
New Study Shows how to Reverse Weight Gain Common with Antipsychotic Medications
March 7, 2008
There is good news for people fighting weight gain due to antipsychotic medications. In the past year studies have come out that indicate that the common medication side effects of increased weight gain can be minimized or eliminated by good lifestyle and nutritional programs, as well as by use of the diabetes medication called "Metformin".
This week another study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry demonstrated that Metformin helps to halt the weight gain that is common when people are on the antipsychotic medications like Zyprexa.
In the study, 40 patients started the study and 37 completed treatments.
Additionally, in the study:
- The weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio levels increased less in the olanzapine plus metformin group relative to the olanzapine plus placebo group during the 12-week follow-up period. The olanzapine (Zyprexa) with placebo group increased their weight by more than 7% (over 10lbs for a 150 lb person).
- The insulin and insulin resistance index values of the olanzapine plus placebo group increased significantly. In contrast, the insulin and insulin resistance index levels of the olanzapine plus metformin group remained unchanged.
- Metformin was tolerated well by all patients.
- Metformin was effective and safe in attenuating olanzapine-induced weight gain and insulin resistance in drug-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients. Patients displayed good adherence to this type of preventive intervention."
Related Reading:
New Program Demonstrates Weight gain Induced by Antipsychotic Medications can be Avoided
New Study Shows how to Reverse Weight Gain Common with Antipsychotic Medications
