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Updated: May 8, 2026

Self-Administration of Drugs in Mouse Models of Feeding and Obesity
Published on: June 8, 2021
Effects of antipsychotic medications on appetite, weight, and insulin resistance
1Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia. chao@uow.edu.au
Abstract:
Although clozapine, olanzapine, and other atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs) have fewer extrapyramidal side effects, they have serious metabolic side effects such as substantial weight gain, intra-abdominal obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Given that most patients with mental disorders face chronic, even life-long, treatment with APDs, the risks of weight gain/obesity and other metabolic symptoms are major considerations for APD maintenance treatment. This review focuses on the effects of APDs on weight gain, appetite, insulin resistance, and glucose dysregulation, and the relevant underlying mechanisms that may be help to prevent and treat metabolic side effects caused by APD therapy.
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