Antipsychotic Weight Gain

When dealing with antipsychotic weight gain, the unwanted increase in body mass that can occur while taking antipsychotic medications. Also known as medication‑induced weight gain, it often catches patients off guard because the primary goal of these drugs is to control psychiatric symptoms, not to add extra pounds.

One major player behind this issue is the class of antipsychotics, especially second‑generation agents like olanzapine and clozapine. These medicines antipsychotic weight gain can trigger metabolic side effects such as higher blood sugar, increased cholesterol, and insulin resistance. When you put those changes together, you end up with the broader health concern called metabolic syndrome. The link is clear: antipsychotic weight gain encompasses metabolic side effects, which in turn raise the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Who is most affected and what can be done?

The condition tends to hit people diagnosed with schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders hardest, because long‑term medication is often essential. Managing the extra pounds isn’t just about looking good; it’s about keeping the underlying mental health treatment effective. Lifestyle tweaks—regular walking, balanced meals with protein‑rich foods, and monitoring calorie intake—are practical first steps. In some cases, doctors may switch to a lower‑risk antipsychotic or add a medication that counteracts weight gain, showing that weight control requires both medical and lifestyle tools.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that break down the science, share real‑world tips, compare specific drugs, and outline how to talk to your provider about staying healthy while on antipsychotics. Dive in to get the facts you need to handle weight changes without compromising your mental health.